Speaking in Lilongwe during the draw, Head of Sales in Global Markets Division Gray Kazima said support to tobacco growers through the promotion is in keeping with the bank’s track record as a partner of the country’s agriculture sector.

“While this promotion is specific to the tobacco sector, Standard Bank has a track record of supporting Malawi’s agriculture overall. I would therefore like to urge all farmers in Malawi to take advantage of the bank’s resources in terms of financial and human talent, to benefit from our tailored solutions in this segment,” he said.

Kazima said as a partner in the development of mother Malawi, Standard Bank has taken a keen interest in the new set of four agriculture policies announced by President Peter Mutharika during his pre-budget speech in Parliament.

“Agriculture still remains important to the Malawi economy as a source of both food and income. Standard Bank is committed to partner in helping to uplift the agriculture sector, and that’s why we continue to come up with initiatives such as Mlimi Alirenji promotion. This resonates with our strategic goal to contribute towards growth of mother Malawi’s economy,” he said.

He said prizes in Mlimi Alirenji Promotion have been designed to help tobacco growers with their next season’s green leaf production.

During the second draw, 92 tobacco growers won various prizes bringing the total number of winners to 184. Top fortnightly prizes are two bailing jacks and 20 hesian sacks. The grand prize is a brand new farm tractor estimated at K16 million.