adminThe Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has urged tobacco farmers to begin planting and utilise the rains the country is receiving. Most parts of the country have so far received rains, bringing relief to farmers and cooling temperatures after a persistent heat wave.
Preliminary rainfall forecasts point to normal to above normal rains between October and December 2013 across the whole country.
TIMB chief executive Dr Andrew Matibiri said now was the time for farmers in the areas that have received rains to plant rain-fed tobacco. “Now is the time for farmers to start planting, even with about 20 to 25 mm of rain they can do that,” he said.
Dr Matibiri, however, said some tobacco growing areas such as Darwendale and Mhangura had received showers.
During the 2013 tobacco farming season, 167 million kilogrammes were sold, a 15 percent increase in flue cured tobacco sales from the previous year.
Revenue to tobacco growers increased by 16 percent to $612 135 672.
Burley tobacco realised $743 863 from the sale of 484 000 kilogrammes, while dark air tobacco realised $430 269 from 274 058 kilogrammes.
TIMB says it is expecting more than 50 000 new tobacco growers this season.
Last year, 90 000 growers were registered.
Tobacco is one of Zimbabwe’s major agricultural exports, accounting for 10,7 percent of gross domestic product.
South Africa was the leading market for Zimbabwe’s tobacco this year with 10,1 million kgs worth about $30 million having been exported so far.
Other export destinations for Zimbabwean tobacco include Belgium, United Arab Emirates, China, Sudan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, United Kingdom and Russia. – New Ziana.
Online Reporter