By Almot Maqolo.
HARARE, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – At least 143,657 farmers have registered to grow tobacco in the 2017/18 season, a 46 percent increase from 98,221 in the previous season, statistics from the industry regulator have shown.
Previously a preserve for commercial farmers tobacco is fast becoming an attractive source of livelihood for many of Zimbabwe’s small scale and communal farmers.
Latest data from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) shows that 40,515 new farmers have registered to grow the crop compared to 18,980 last year. Registration is still on-going.
Zimbabwe has so far exported 32,9 million kilograms of tobacco earning the nation $143,4 million down from $231,7 million last year. The average export price stood at $4,35 per kg.
The bulk of the tobacco was exported to China with the rest going to South Africa, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Sudan and Russia.
The southern African country’s tobacco production is expected to increase by nearly six percent to 200 kg compared to 189 million kg in the previous period.
Comments
About Author
