THE number of tobacco farmers registered for the 2013 season increased by over 22 000 compared to the previous year as more farmers turned to the golden leaf, it has been learnt.
Business Reporter
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chief executive officer Andrew Matibiri yesterday said the number of growers for the current agricultural season increased to 64 775.
A1 farmers accounted for about 43% of the growers, while A2, commercial and small scale commercial farmers, accounted for 7%, 40% and 10% respectively.
“A lot of farmers have switched to tobacco from other crops after they realised that it’s more paying than other crops,” Matibiri said.
“This year farmers have registered early to enable the smooth selling of their crop.”
“Early registration also enables quick resolution of any unforeseen challenges.”
He said TIMB was still going by the projection made by Finance minister Tendai Biti that 170 million kg of the golden leaf would be produced in 2013.
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At least 10 buyers participated in the 2012 tobacco selling season. Four auction floors – Boka, Tobacco Sales Floors, Millenium Tobacco and Zimbabwe Leaf Tobacco – took part in this year’s marketing season.
In his budget presentation for 2012, Biti said the agricultural sector required at least $2 billion annually to realise its potential.
Biti said tobacco output was projected to increase from 144 million kg in 2012 to 170 million kg in 2013 in view of the increase in the number of registered tobacco growers.
He said agriculture was projected to grow by 6,4% and this would be supported by credit facilities to farmers and continued contract farming arrangements for major crops.
The tobacco industry has been on a recovery path since 2009 when the country adopted the multi-currency system.
In the 2012/2013 marketing season, 144 million kg of tobacco was sold, earning the country $525 million.
Despite the increase in output, the country missed its 150 million kg target for 2012.
