Independent tobacco growers, who sold their crop to TBZ, the Tobacco Board of Zambia, have expressed disappointment at the delays to get paid.
Representing other farmers, Patrick Phiri, Winford Daka, Booazi Miti and Vincent Mwale, complained that the board is not giving proper explanation on why it is delaying to pay them their money.
They explained that when selling their tobacco last month, they were being promised that they would get paid after seven days.
The farmers complained that TBZ’s continued delay in paying them their money, has seriously affected preparations for the 2016/2017 farming season.
They also complained that they are unable to support their families due to lack of money.
And when contacted, TBZ Chief Executive Officer, Samson Muyembe, acknowledged that some farmers who sold their tobacco to the board have not yet been paid.
He asked the farmers to remain calm as they will be paid when money is available and that TBZ is fully aware of their concerns.
Mr. Muyembe says that the board is currently busy scouting for funds to ensure that all the farmers are cleared.
He mentioned that the decision by TBZ to buy more tobacco than what was planned for, has also contributed to the delays in clearing all farmers.