Minister of Agriculture Irrigation and Water Development Allan Chiyembekeza said tobacco growing countries will continue to speak with one voice on tobacco ban because the crop is a pillar to economic development in these countries.

The minister said the international ban on tobacco can pose a big challenge to African countries because most of the people who produce tobacco are small holder farmers who rely much on the crop.

"A good number of people are employed in tobacco industry, banning the trade will completely paralyze the economies of these countries," lamented Chiyembekeza. 

Chiyembekeza said it is true that tobacco is a health hazard but it is not the only crop that is hazardous to health hence the need to take important measures to help people than to stop the trade.

He mentioned sugar, coffee, beers which are also known to be a health hazard but continue to enjoy international trade.

The two day regional conference has attracted tobacco producing countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa and international organizations working in the industry.

Norman Chakanetsa Executive Secretary for Zimbabwe’s National economic consultative Forum says it is not right to ban tobacco as it is a legal crop. Chakanetsa said as a legal crop tobacco should be left to be grown without any limitations.

He said what framework convention on tobacco control (FCTC) is advocating that tobacco be excluded from trade and investment agreements is not acceptable.