CHUNYA Tobacco Farmers Cooperative Union (CHUTCU) has resolved to create a special disaster fund to safeguard members against natural disasters affecting their crops.

The decision was made during CHUTCU general meeting in Chunya District, Mbeya Region, which was attended by representatives from 38 primary cooperatives in Chunya and Songwe districts.

Under the resolution, each tobacco farmer will contribute 100/- per kilogramme of tobacco sold to create the fund, beginning with the next tobacco sales season.

CHUTCU Chairman, Sebastian Masika, explained that the fund will be set up at the primary cooperative level, with each cooperative having a special bank account for safe keeping of the funds.

“Each cooperative will have its own fund, and the deductions from tobacco sales will be uniform for all farmers to avoid complaints,” he said.

Some farmers suggested a phased approach, gradually increasing the contribution over three years. Joseph Mangasini proposed starting with a 30/- deduction in the first year, increasing it to 40/- in the second year and reaching 100/- in the third year.

However, Mwisege Mwambegele recommended abandoning the fund in favour of insurance companies, which have experience in disaster compensation. He raised concerns about the possibility that the funds might not be sufficient to cover all affected farmers.

Despite mixed views, the majority agreed to move forward with the 100/- deduction plan starting with the next tobacco season.

Creation of the disaster fund follows a directive from Chunya District Commissioner, Mbarack Batenga, who issued it after rains caused significant damage to tobacco crops in the area. Batenga noted that some farmers had crop insurance, but the policies were only valid for limited periods and led to frustration when farmers were required to pay again.

To avoid further confusion, Batenga proposed the establishment of a dedicated disaster fund to ensure that farmers' contributions are safe and accessible in times of disasters.