THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has reported a significant decrease in tobacco side marketing this season, attributed to stricter penalties and a new compliance framework.
Side marketing, a form of contract default where farmers sell to a different buyer than the one who provided inputs, is often driven by price and poor market conditions.
“Side marketing is coming down as a result of work done by all sectors of the industry. I think it’s probably below five percent now and, as we introduce new systems and technology, that will keep coming down, “TIMB chairperson Patrick Devenish said.