Next Tobacco Farming Season Prospects Brighter

Source from:  Newsnet (zw) 07/06/2009

Prospects for the next tobacco farming season are brighter with sales of tobacco seeds having already doubled from the 147 kilogrammes recorded during the last season. Prospects for the next tobacco farming season are brighter with sales of tobacco seeds having already doubled from the 147 kilogrammes recorded during the last season. With the supply of the golden leaf continuing to increase at the country's auction floors and growers getting attractive prices, demand for tobacco seeds has risen. Figures from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board TIMB show close to 100% increase in seeds sold so far, compared to last season. Zimbabwe Industry Tobacco Auction Centre Zitac General Manager Mr. Hillary Ngombe confirmed the development which he said is an indication of a better tobacco season next year. Mr. Ngombe however bemoaned the high input prices. The country's three main tobacco auction floors Zitac, Burley Marketing Zimbabwe and Tobacco Sales Floor have recorded consistent supply of tobacco with over 10 million kilogrames of the golden leaf having been sold. Farmers are currently receiving a maximum cash pay-out of US$1 500 with the remainder deposited into their accounts. Enditem