The Media Network on Tobacco (MNT) has called for accelerated registration of tobacco growers under the Know Your Grower (KYG) Initiative, warning that delays could affect farmers’ access to formal markets and weaken Malawi’s tobacco industry.
In a statement marking World Tobacco Growers Day, observed on 28 October under the theme ‘Ending Child Labour and Promoting Education: A Shared Responsibility for a Brighter Future’, MNT President Alfred Chauwa said the initiative, launched by the Tobacco Commission on 27 July 2026, is key for improving transparency, traceability and accountability in the tobacco value chain.
Chauwa said about 70,000 of Malawi’s estimated 170,000 active tobacco growers had registered by 27 October, leaving nearly 100,000 yet to sign up.
“The slow pace of registration is worrying because KYG registration is a requirement for grower licensing during the 2026/27 season and participation in the forthcoming tobacco marketing season,” he said.
MNT has urged growers’ associations to intensify mobilisation efforts, particularly in remote areas, while calling on tobacco buyers to provide technical support, extension services and logistical assistance to facilitate registration.
The network said strengthening traceability is critical to addressing international concerns over child and forced labour.
MNT believes children must be protected from hazardous activities in tobacco farming, including handling green tobacco leaves, exposure to pesticides and carrying heavy loads.
“Ending child labour requires a collective effort from government, the tobacco industry, traditional leaders, development partners and communities themselves,” Chauwa said.
MNT has also called for stronger labour inspections, improved social protection programmes and greater access to education.
The network further appealed to media organisations to disseminate verified seasonal weather forecasts and agricultural information to help farmers manage El Niño-related rainfall risks during the 2026/27 growing season.
It also urged the Tobacco Commission to regularly publish registration updates, improve access to registration services and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
“The success of the KYG Initiative should not only be measured by the number of registered growers, but by improved market access, protected livelihoods and the elimination of child labour,” Chauwa added.
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