Tobacco output expected to top 290 million kg in Zimbabwe

Source: Tobacco output expected to top 290 million kg | Sunday Mail Business Reporter Tobacco deliveries are expected to reach a new record of 290 million kilogrammes during the current marketing season owing to a better-than-expected performance by farmers. The Government, through the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, had initially planned to reach the target by 2025. By Thursday last week, farmers had delivered 275,5 million kg worth US$832 million, up by 52,4 percent from 180,6 million kg valued at US$548,3 million during the same period last season. Zimbabwe has already surpassed the record 260 million realised in 2019. The crop sold under contract farming was roughly 256 million kg, while 19,2 million kg — or 7,5 percent of the overall deliveries — were sold via auction. Average prices marginally dropped by 0,45 percent to US$3,02 per kg, from US$3,04 a year ago. Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board acting chief executive officer Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire told The Sunday ...