Classification criteria questioned

The Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) has reminded those involved in classifying the country’s tobacco crop that they should follow the relevant rules and regulations so as to avoid complaints from farmers, according to a story in the Daily News.

Speaking during the annual general meeting of the Western Zone Tobacco Growers Co-operative Union (WetCu), the board’s vice chairman, Said Nkumba, warned that the board would take stern action against those violating regulations.

“There are allegations that those involved in markets during tobacco classification are bribed so they can favor some people,” he was quoted as saying. “My board will be very keen on this and will take stern action against all those involved.”

He said that the tobacco produced by farmers who were not willing to pay bribes was given a lower grade than otherwise would be the case.

Earlier, WetCu members had complained to the vice chairman that they had fallen victim to these practices.

Tobacco classification falls under the jurisdiction of the TTB but the CCM Tabora Regional Chairman, Hassan Wakasuvi, said that if the problem were not solved, farmers would be forced to look for classification alternatives that did not involve the board.