Communal farmers top tobacco growing

farmers also dominate the burley tobacco list.
So far 993 farmers have registered to grow burley tobacco this season with 658 of them coming from the communal sector.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union economist Mr Peter Gambara said communal farmers were responding to market forces and Government policies.
Mr Gambara said it was enticing to grow tobacco because farmers get their money instantly.
“Some farmers have not been paid for the wheat they delivered in 2009 while others delivered their maize to the Grain Marketing Board last season but have not received their money up to now.
“Farmers can no longer grow maize as a cash crop due to the poor payment system,” he said.
Government, Mr Gambara said, should ensure Treasury releases money to pay farmers on time.
Mr Gambara said communal farmers usually first plant food crops for family consumption and thus would not face food shortages.
“Since most farmers deliver grain to GMB for the strategic grain reserve, Government should budget the money so that farmers continue producing and delivering their grain to the parastatal,” he said.
He urged Government to come in with clear policies on agriculture financing and funding if things were to improve.
Tobacco production has been on the increase for the past few years due to favourable prices and instant payment.
The sector, according to the Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa, provides employment to 1,13 million workers in Zimbabwe who support 5,67 million dependants constituting 55 percent of the population.