Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
TOBACCO farmers have earned US$619,2 million from auction and contract sales, representing a 16,6 percent increase in value from US$530,95 million during the same period last year, latest figures from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) show.
About 183,03 million kilogrammes of yellow left have gone under the hammer, a 21,4 percent jump from the 150,78 million kgs in 2024.
The average price per kilogramme stood at US$3,38, slightly lower than last year’s US$3,52, reflecting a 3,9 percent drop.
Despite the marginal dip in average price, the increased volumes have driven earnings upwards.
Farmers delivered 2 326 897 bales to the auction and contract floors, with 2 261 330 bales sold.
The rejection rate of 2,8 percent indicates a generally good quality of the delivered crop.
The highest average price recorded was US$6,30 per kg, while the lowest remained at US$0,10 per kilogramme.
TIMB spokesperson Ms Chelesani Moyo-Tsarwe expressed satisfaction with the season’s performance thus far.
“We are pleased with the significant increase in earnings for our hardworking tobacco farmers.
“The over US$600 million mark is a testament to their dedication and the quality of Zimbabwean tobacco, which continues to attract both local and international buyers,” she said.
Online Reporter