Multinational firms begin buying 47 million kg surplus tobacco in Pakistan

Multinational tobacco buyers have started taking in Pakistan’s surplus crop under an agreement covering 47 million kilograms, Profit by Pakistan Today reported, citing Dawn. Philip Morris International began purchases on October 27, followed by Pakistan Tobacco Company on October 28, after minor delays to the schedule. The two multinational companies are to buy about 20 million kilograms, with Pakistani companies expected to take the remaining 27 million.

The procurement plan was discussed at a meeting at the Pakistan Tobacco Board’s Peshawar headquarters last week. Grower representatives say buyers halted procurement on September 15, leaving farmers without purchasers for more than 40 days, and have urged the board and the Ministry of National Food Security to ensure companies follow marketing rules. Government minimum indicative rates range from Rs262.60 per kilogram for white Patta and other varieties to Rs615.90 for flue-cured Virginia grown in mountainous areas; growers fear delays could lead to lower purchase prices.