Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
TOBACCO deliveries to both auction and contract floors have risen sharply as farmers rush to sell produce ahead of the Easter holiday, which begins tomorrow.
Farmers said the extra cash will be spent on family gatherings, school fees and household needs, while industry officials report a noticeable uptick in volumes even as prices remain below last season’s levels.
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) statistics show a clear shift in activity on the floors: so far this season, 2 780 201kg of tobacco worth US$5 627 566 has been sold at auction floors, while contract sales total 53 825 302 kg valued at US$154 645 169.
The average price at auction stands at US$2,02/kg and US$2,87/kg under contract.
About 35 065 bales have been sold at auction compared with 619 819 bales at contract, with the highest prices recorded this season at US$4,92/kg at auction and US$5,75/kg under contract.
Farmers say the rise in deliveries is tied directly to the Easter holiday starting tomorrow and their desire to have money to spend with family.
“Today I brought 20 bales that I’m targeting for the Easter holiday,” said Ruth Verengera of Raffingora.
“Tobacco is paying well. I sold 20 bales yesterday. This year, I expect to sell 80 bales. I have acquired material assets through tobacco, and the proceeds of this sale will fund Easter celebrations and my children’s welfare. My advice to women is that we should work hard and get involved in other projects that generate income so we improve our livelihoods.”
Other farmers shared the sentiment.
“I only brought nine bales so that I COULD get money to spend with my family,” said Robio Kanyuchi of Mutoko.
“I’m expecting to bring more towards the opening of schools. I got land through the land reform programme. My children are all in boarding schools and I already I have tangible assets, including cars and scotch carts. The money from these sales helps cover immediate family needs.”Premier Tobacco Auction Floors operations manager Sam Garabha said volumes have improved even if prices are subdued.
