This year’s record tobacco harvest of almost 300 million kg continues to fuel exports, with Zimbabwe so far exporting over 181 million kg worth over US$934 million compared to 147 million kg valued at US$747million in the same period last year.
This means the country has recorded a 19 percent increase in export earnings from tobacco products as it moves towards the targeted US$1,6 billion a year in exports. While farmers sell almost all their crop within a couple of months each year, the initial processing and export of the crop lasts the full year between seasons.
Statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) indicate that the Far East remains the largest market with about 82 million kg of tobacco worth US$589 million at an average price of US$7,16. About 35m kg valued at US$122 million was exported in Africa at an average price of US$3,49. About 29million kg of tobacco valued at US$124 was exported to the European Union at an average price of US$4,34.
Zimbabwe has also exported 24m kgs of tobacco worth US$62 million to the Middle East at an average price of US$2,47. About 5 million kg of tobacco valued at US$20 million was sold to the rest of Europe at US$18 million at an average price of US$3,94. Over 5 million kg of tobacco was sold to America at US$18million at an average price of US$3,85.
Export of tobacco products has been on an upward trend, with earnings of US$795 million in 2020, US$837 million in 2021 and US$998 million last year.
By the end of this year, earnings are expected to be over US$1,6 billion.
Statistics also indicate that farmers have so far planted over 19 000ha of tobacco for both irrigated and dryland.
Tobacco Farmers Union Trust president Mr Victor Mariranyika said farmers are working towards surpassing last season’s volumes, adding that irrigated tobacco was doing well and farmers were expecting a record output.
“It is good for the farmers to benefit from what they grow. We are guaranteed a good harvest. So far the condition of irrigated tobacco is amazing. The crop has around 12 leaves each, which is a positive development in the crop’s growth.
“We are expecting better yields this time around. Farmers need to diversify into less intensive crop like Shisha because it is more friendly to the smallholder,’’ he said.
Source Zimbabwe Situation
