Tobacco Production Slump Hits Zimbabwe's Economy

Source from:  au.news.yahoo.com 09/21/2005

Zimbabwe's economic situation is set to worsen due to a 30 per cent drop in tobacco production. Zimbabwe's tobacco production has already fallen to 76 million kilograms a year compared to 236 million kilograms five years ago. Now it is set to fall by another third due to a lack of seed, fertiliser and fuel. Tobacco was once Zimbabwe's key export and the industry's collapse has contributed to a massive shortage of foreign currency that has put Zimbabwe at risk of expulsion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Analysts say the situation will continue to deteriorate until President Robert Mugabe agrees to United Nations mediation and food aid. Enditem