President Joyce Banda opened the Lilongwe tobacco auction floors with a projection that the country will earn at least $300 million from this year’s selling season.

This year’s market started on a positive note with good prices.

Some farmers at the auction floors told the media that unlike last year when tobacco prices recorded low rates on the market this year prices are impressive.

The prices were hovering between $1 to $2 per kilogram, which the farmers say was remarkable compared to last year’s 60 cents per kilogram on the first day.

Speaking after touring the the Lilongwe auction floors, President Joyce Banda appealed to tobacco buyers to further improve buying prices on the market.

President Banda said from what she saw at the auction in terms of quality and prices on offer, this year farmers will reap desired benefits from their tobacco production.