Zimbabwe: 151 Million KG Tobacco Sold

Source from:  The Herald  06/21/2013

FARMERS have sold a cumulative 151 million kilogrammes of flue cured tobacco worth US$557 million since the opening of the selling season in February.

This outstrips the 144.5 million kilogrammes sold last year, amid expectations that the 171 million target will be surpassed by the close of the selling season. Mashonaland West　continues to dominate tobacco sales with 51,6 million kilogrammes of the crop worth US$191 million having been sold by day 84.

A2 farmers are also topping the farming sectors list with 48 million kilogrammes worth US$193 million having been at an average price of US$3,95 per kg. A1 farmers who constitute 31 percent of the sales have sold a collective 46 million kg worth US$163 million at an average price of US$3,56 per kg while communal farmers sold 26 percent of the flue cured tobacco generating US$131 million from the 37 million kg that have so far gone under the hammer.

Small scale farmers sold 10 percent of the tobacco worth US$56 million. The 15 million kg were sold at an average price US$3, 72. Burley tobacco farmers have sold 203 100kg worth US$302 823 at an average.

Last year same period, 9 415 kg of the crop valued at US$22 165 were sold. A total of 62 000 kg worth US$95 200 of dark air cured tobacco have been sold compared to 145 456 kg worth US$223 698. About 170 million kg are expected this selling season as many farmers turn to tobacco due to its favourable price on the market. Enditem