Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE Mashonaland West Tobacco Sales Floor opened today in Karoi with the highest price of US$5,15 per kg.
Hurungwe has 19 contracting companies and 14 sales floors.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo officiated at the opening and toured some of the sales floors.
The floors only attend to contracted farmers in Mashonaland West’s Hurungwe district, with self-funded farmers accessing services in Harare.
After the tour, Minister Chombo challenged tobacco farmers to deliver their crop to the companies that contracted them and urged them to be proactive in the afforestation drive.
She also reminded the farmers to cut tobacco stocks and avoid using foreign tobacco seed to curb the spread of diseases.
“While we are grateful that you are contributing to the country’s agricultural sector, avoid leaving tobacco stock and using foreign seeds,” she said.
“The Government is also against the use of child labour in tobacco farming as this is against the country’s and international laws.”
Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) Mashonaland West regional manager, Mr Aid Taruvinga, said the province was targeting to harvest at least 114 million kilogrammes this year, up from 106 million last year.
Farmers said they were optimistic about good pricing this year, considering the high prices being offered in Brazil.
