STAFF WRITER
Planting of irrigated tobacco is at 44 percentage higher than last year due to availability of water necessitated by a recent good rainfall season, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said.
Tobacco farming forms part of Zimbabwe’s main revenue source.
This year, Zimbabwe’s cumulative tobacco sales exceeded 210.9 million kg, with export earnings surpassed US$589,6 million.
“Planting of the irrigated crop is in progress and 5 803 hectares have been established to date as compared to 4 029 hectares planted at the same period last year, which is 44% higher,” said Mutsvangwa, addressing a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday.
Mutsvangwa further said the number of registered tobacco farmers for 2021/2022 tobacco farming season has increased to more than 80 thousand representing a 6% increase compared to last season.
“In terms of preparations for the forthcoming summer season, some 83 938 farmers have registered for 2021/22 tobacco season compared to 79 134 farmers that had registered at the same time last year, translating to a 6% increase,” Mutsvangwa said.
She added that localization of tobacco financing model is implemented with the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board currently seized with flighting tenders for fertilizer and chemicals supply.
“As part of the localization of the financing of tobacco, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has floated tenders for the supply of fertilizers and chemicals,” Mutsvangwa said.
Tobacco is the country’s foreign currency cash cow and its production is registering growth.
As at 23 August 2021, the country earned US$574.8 million after a total of 205.9 million kgs of tobacco was delivered at auction leapfrogging this year’s projection of 200 million kgs by 2.95 percent.
Meanwhile, a total of $1.5 billion was received from Treasury last week and cumulative receipts now amount to $33 038 772 364.37. Grain delivered to date is valued at $34 999 313 710.01 giving an outstanding balance of $1 960, 541 345.64.
