Farmers have earned more than US$256 million from the sale of 94 million kilogrammes of flue cured tobacco since the opening of the marketing season last month.
Sales have continued to increase as more farmers completed harvesting and curing of the cash crop.
By day 25, farmers had sold 93,9 million kg worth US$255, 9 million an increase of 66 percent from the 56.6 million kg valued at US$196,4 million sold same period last year.
This season average prices have remained low and farmers are pinning hopes on Government after Parliamentarians visited tobacco floors.
As at Thursday, average prices were at US$2,73 /kg which is 21 percent less than the US$3,47/kg during the same period last year.
According to the latest statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, prices have remained depressed this season compared to the same period last year.
Experts have attributed the low prices to a combination of global oversupply of the leaf and muted buyer competition on the market.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association (ZTGA) Mr George Seremwe said the marketing of tobacco was going on well although the issue of low prices was the major concern.
“Farmers are getting their money on time but prices have remained depressed. As farmers we are encouraged by the visit by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. We hope we will get a lasting solution,” he said.
The issue of low prices have been affecting a number of farmers.
Farmers are, however, not obliged to accept unfair prices and have the right to appeal to the TIMB if they are dissatisfied with the prices offered by buyers.
The regulatory board has been educating farmers and promoting transparency to ensure growers get value for their crop.-herald
