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season.
This is an increase from the 53 065 growers who had registered by August last year.
According to statistics released by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, Mashonaland West has the highest number of growers at 22 267 followed by Mashonaland Central with 18 999, Manicaland with 11 254, Mashonaland East 11 062, Midlands 85, Masvingo 56 and Matabeleland one grower.
The bulk of the growers who have registered are A1 resettled farmers who account for 27 807 of the 63 733 registered growers.
Other groups that make up the registered growers list include communal farmers with 23 478, small-scale farmers with 6 726 farmers A2 and large-scale sectors with 4 025 and 1 697 respectively.
In terms of the 17 247 new growers, Mashonaland West has the highest number at 7 332 followed by Mashonaland Central with 4 649, Mashonaland East 2 878, Manicaland 2 283, Midlands 65, Masvingo 39 and one from Matabeleland.
The number of farmers growing tobacco has been increasing every season over the past few years thanks to the favourable prices being offered for the golden leaf.
Some farmers have abandoned producing crops such as maize and cotton because of their “low” prices opting for the better paying golden leaf.
However, tobacco selling has been marred by challenges such as congestion due to farmers disregarding the booking system as well as late processing of payments and price manipulation.
In a bid to counter congestion, TIMB re-introduced the pre-booking system but this has proved to be fruitless as farmers continue to deliver their crop without making prior arrangements.
The problem is, however, expected to ease as the TIMB is in the process of licensing new auction floors.
About 170 to 200 million kilogrammes of tobacco are expected to be delivered to the floors this year up from 120 million kg last selling season.
So far 95 million kilogrammes have been sold under both the auction and contract systems since the season opened in February.
Zimbabwe is slowly moving towards regaining its position as a major tobacco producer in the world.
Online Reporter