adminfor sale, have been in short supply in previous seasons. TIMB chairperson Monica Chinamasa told New Ziana that despite a sharp increase in the number of tobacco farmers, supplies of the bags would be adequate.
“I do not foresee any problems with regards to the supply of the hessian bags. We talked to the suppliers and they assured us that there were adequate stocks of both new and second hand bags,” she said.
“Farmers are expected to acquire the bags easily and at reasonable prices as well.”
Tobacco sales bookings are expected to begin on February 4, while deliveries would be accepted from February 7.
Last year the marketing season started in February and ended in July.
Meanwhile, Mrs Chinamasa said due to heavy rains received around the country last month they would be conducting a second round crop assessment to determine new output projections.
“We need to revisit the initial assessment because we have had two major challenges this year, a lot of rain and a lot of heat at the moment which is affecting the crop so we might have a significant decline in initial projections,” she said.
Initial projected output is 170 million kg. As of December last year, more than 60 000 farmers had registered to grow tobacco, 20 000 of whom were first time growers.
The TIMB has licensed three auction floors to conduct sales of the golden leaf this year.
These include Tobacco Sales Floor, Boka Tobacco Auction Floor and Premier Tobacco Auction Floor. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter