Published by the government of Zimbabwe
10 July 2009
Harare — THE 2009 flue-cured tobacco seed sales have surpassed last year's sales by 67 percent, statistics provided by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board have revealed.
A total of 247 460kg of tobacco seed had been sold by June 26 compared to 147 625kg sold during the same period last year. On the other hand, 245kg of burley tobacco were also sold during the same period compared to 40kg sold previously.
Farming experts have attributed this to improvements in the payment system and the introduction of the 100 percent foreign currency retention scheme for farmers. TIMB chief executive Dr Andrew Matibiri said last season's sales were good although some growers failed to transplant because of fertilizer, chemical and fuel shortages.
However, this season fertilizer which is one of the critical inputs is available on the market although some growers still feel the commodity's price is exorbitant. Fertilizer is being sold at between US$29 and US$33, figures which some small-scale growers cannot afford. Fuel has been in limited stock but this has not affected land preparations.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Mr Wilson Nyabonda said most commercial farmers had done their land preparations between February and March. Tobacco is expected to increase next season following a US$60 million loan from Tunisian based Africa Import Export Bank.
The money was made available last month at the Zimbabwe Tobacco Association 49th Congress.
A total of 65 000ha is expected to be put under tobacco production this year and farmers have been encouraged to prepare early for a high quality crop.
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