adminData from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) showed that China led the export markets followed by the United Kingdom.
The far east country imported 35,2 million kg of flue-cured tobacco valued at $300,7 million at an average price of $8,53 a kg while the UK imported 11,1 million kg worth $63,7 million at an average price of $5,69/kg.
South Africa, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates were some of the leading consumers, importing 16,6 million kg of tobacco worth $44,4 million.
In 2011, China was the major importer of the country’s tobacco importing about 58 million kg compared to 18 million the previous year.
Experts in the tobacco industry have said the value of tobacco this year was higher than in 2011 as the country had a better quality crop.
Although the quality of the crop improved remarkably this year, some of the tobacco delivered at the four auction centres was harsher due to erratic rainfall pattern during the season.
The seasonal average price of the golden leaf during the marketing season that ended in August was $5,80 per kg.
The seasonal average price was in direct response to the world demand for the crop as the demand was increasing compared to production levels.
The world tobacco output was recently affected by bad climatic conditions such as floods that hit other producers such as Brazil.
In 2011, Zimbabwe earned $393,1 million from 144 million kg it exported.
Meanwhile, New Ziana reports that the TIMB has said it registered more than 50 000 farmers to grow tobacco in the 2013 season almost double the number of registered growers from last year.
TIMB said 50 418 farmers had so far registered as growers compared to 25 466 farmers during the same period last year.
The figures show that at least 20 000 new farmers have been registered to grow the golden leaf.
According to the data, the majority of tobacco farmers, at 21 865, are A1 farmers followed by nearly 20 000 communal farmers.
Nearly 5 000 small-scale farmers have been registered while 3 730 A2 farmers have so far expressed interest in growing the crop.
In terms of seed sales, the figures show that over 8 100 kgs of flue cured tobacco have been sold, up 25 percent compared to the same period last year.
The seeds will cover an estimated 135 623 hectares.
The data from the tobacco industry regulator shows that more farmers are turning to the golden leaf as it is more lucrative, with its marketing through the auction system or contract, better organised compared to other crops.
Analysts have since expressed concern that increasing interest in the golden leaf will affect production of other crops such as maize.
Tobacco production went up nine percent to 144,5 million kgs in the 2012 marketing season which closed on 28 September.
The crop was sold at a seasonal average price of $3,65, a price which was 34 percent higher than the previous season. — Chronicle Reporter/New Ziana
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