Zimbabwe targets 190mln kg tobacco output

Zimbabwe has revised its tobacco sales targets from 175mln kg to 190 million as deliveries continue to trickle in.

This was after the country last week surpassed its initial target by more than 5% at 183 million kg of the golden leaf earning the country a total of $537 million.

TIMB communications manager Isheunesu Moyo said the rising tobacco deliveries were a testimony of an improved performance by farmers.

Production of the golden leaf was affected by drought this year triggering fears that the country could miss its initial target.

Moyo however said the tobacco industry regulator will continue to hold trainings for farmers across the country to ensure that Zimbabwe reaches its all-time peak of 236 million kgs that was achieved in the year 2000.

Meanwhile, the curtain is expected to come down on the 2016 tobacco marketing season on August 5 with deliveries surpassing the initial target of 158 million kilogrammes. Since the beginning of the season on March 30, tobacco farmers have sold 184 million kg worth $541 million.

Last season farmers sold 198 million kg. Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board communications manager Isheunesu Moyo confirmed the closing dates and said mop-up sales would be held on August 23.

Farmers also expressed anger at the resurfacing of corrupt activities at the floors and felt TIMB must do more to protect them and also put an end to underhand dealings. The farmers appealed to TIMB to take stern measures on perpetrators of corruption.