Source: Farmers upbeat as tobacco prices show improvement – herald
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
TOBACCO farmers have expressed cautious optimism over this year’s marketing season, saying current prices, while not exceptional, are good enough to sustain their livelihoods and encourage continued production.
Across auction and contract floors, growers are steadily delivering their crop as harvesting and curing conclude, with many pointing to tangible benefits tobacco farming continues to bring to their households.
Mrs Abigirl Machona from Karoi said tobacco has transformed her life since she ventured into the crop in 2002 under the Land Reform Programme.
“I have sold 35 bales and prices are better today compared to the previous days. I cannot cry. Since 2002 after acquiring land through Land Reform programme, I have managed to drill a borehole and build a nine-roomed house for my family as well as to send my children to school,” she said.
Mr Friday Sam of Kasimhure, near Karoi, said while prices have slightly declined compared to last season, tobacco remains a reliable source of income for his family.
“Prices are not very bad although there is a slight decrease from the previous year. I grow tobacco with my family.
“We live in a remote area but we are comfortable with what we have through tobacco farming,” he said.
In Tengwe, also in Karoi, Mrs Tinei Chihwara said tobacco farming has enabled her to invest beyond agriculture, urging more women to venture into the crop.
“I want to urge other women to embark on tobacco growing in order to make a good living. I have a housing stand and a shop in Karoi through this and I am expecting to earn thousands of dollars from 40 bales that I have brought here,” she said.
While farmers are generally satisfied, concerns over pricing remain.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association president Mr George Seremwe said growers are hoping for firmer prices to sustain future production.
“The marketing season is progressing well and farmers are getting their money on time but prices remain a challenge this season.
“Farmers are anticipating better prices that will enable them to go back in the fields next season,” he said.
Despite these concerns, deliveries continue to rise, reflecting farmers’ confidence in the crop. Many growers are now focused on maximising returns and preparing for the next season through reinvestment in inputs.
Statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) show that farmers have so far earned over US$255 million from the sale of about 94 million kilogrammes of flue-cured tobacco since the marketing season opened last month.
By day 25, nearly 94 million kg valued at US$255,9 million had been sold, marking a 66 percent increase from the 56,6 million kg worth US$196,4 million recorded during the same period last year.
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