Published: 26 March 2014

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board says more than 28 million kilogrammes of tobacco have been delivered to all the country's auction floors since the beginning of the marketing season, a 16 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

However, the price of the golden leaf remains subdued despite an increase in tobacco deliveries.

By the 25th of March 2014, a total of 28 699 036 kilogrammes of tobacco were sold at a total cost of $88 141 051.

A total of 24 734 595 kilogrammes of tobacco were sold at $90 710 348 during the same period last year, reflecting a 2.83 percent decrease in value.

According to statistics released by the TIMB, the average price for contract tobacco is $3.26, while the average price for auction tobacco is $2.64 per kilogramme.

The statistics indicate that there has been a decrease in numbers of rejected bales of tobacco.

24 690 bales were rejected compared to 27 529 bales last year.

A target of 180 million kilogrammes of flue cured tobacco has been set for this season.

Last year, the target was set at 170 million kilogrammes, but farmers only managed to produce 166 million kilogrammes, missing the target by four million kilogrammes.

This year has seen more than one thousand new farmers growing tobacco a development which is expected to boost tobacco deliveries this marketing season.
- zbc

You might also want to read this

• TIMB rolls out $70m inputs facility
• TIMB closes Rusape auction floor
• TIMB bails out 5 000 smallholder growers
• TIMB consults parties on 2018 marketing season