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Lesego Valela-Herald Reporter
FARMERS have earned US$382 million from the sale of flue-cured tobacco since the beginning of the 2022 marketing season at the end of March, around 3,6 percent down from the US$396,4 million recorded during the same period last year.
According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, seasonal sales statistics for day 44 show that the top price so far is 10 cents above last year’s highest price at US$6,80. The lowest price still stands at the same level, basically a scrap tobacco price.
This year there were 1,7 million bales that were laid whereas there were 2 million last year. The bales that were sold were 1,6 million with 116 800 sold on the auction floors and 1,5 million through contract delivery and sale. The total auction floor for the bales rejected was 15 000 from the total contract floor of 32 000. The TIMB statistics for this year show that the volume reduction was the result of a poorer rainfall season.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Association chief executive, Mr Rodney Ambrose, has said previously that tobacco volumes are expected to increase as later crops come up to harvest and the farmers are happy with the price. He also stated that there has been a positive start as the tobacco output is lower than last year, but the volume is expected to increase.
Online Reporter