Preparations for Tobacco Farming Season in Full Swing

Source from:  The Herald 08/06/2010

ABOUT 13 000 hectares of tobacco seedbeds have already been planted as preparations for the 2010/11 farming season continue. This is a decrease from 14 000 hectares that had been planted by end of June last year but not all farmers produce their own seedlings. If successfully planted and barring any bad weather, the 13 000 translates to about 22,4 million kg. However, more seedbeds are expected to be planted as the transplanting deadline of September 1 draws nearer. Agritex tobacco specialist, Mrs Sheilah Bhaureni said: "There are expectations that there is going to be an increase in tobacco production next season although some farmers are complaining of the current low prices being offered at the auction floors". There are hopes that Zimbabwe is moving towards regaining its position as one of the major tobacco producers in the world. Tobacco production is slowly picking up with farmers targeting to produce 150 million kilogrammes of the crop from 90 000 hectares next season. The country's tobacco output slumped to 36 million kilogrammes in 2008 from the 235 million kilogrammes in 2000. Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board chief executive, Dr Andrew Matibiri said tobacco growers were still preparing seedbeds while others were procuring seed. "Seed is available in abundance and we have enough stock for up to 10 years, " he said. Fertilizers were available to farmers on the market. "Fertilizers are available at Windmill and ZFC while contractors have also started distributing inputs to their growers," he said. Growers are, however, concerned about the prices being offered at the auction floors, as they are low- averaging US$2,40 per kilogramme at the auction floors and US$3 per kilogramme at the contract market. The absence of financial aid for small-scale farmers is also threatening production. However, the fact that tobacco has emerged a better paying crop means many farmers are going to produce it, abandoning other crops such as cotton. Enditem