DAR ES SALAAM, June 29 -- TANZANIA has called for deeper coordination among tobacco-producing nations to defend the economic role of the crop, arguing that global regulatory approaches must better reflect the development realities of farmers and exporting countries.

Opening a meeting of like-minded tobaccogrowing countries in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, Minister for Agriculture Daniel Chongolo said tobacco remains a key strategic commodity for several African economies, underpinning export earnings, employment, fiscal revenue and rural industrial activity.

“For our countries, tobacco is not merely a crop; it is a strategic economic commodity,” Chongolo said, adding that international policy frameworks should be guided by...