Staff Reporter

Tobacco selling season will open tomorrow with an estimated 8.5% growth in output, and an expected output of 230 million kilograms this year compared to 212 million kilogrammes last year.

According to a source in Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), the board is anticipating increased business activities during this year`s marketing season.

“I can confirm that the season starts this Wednesday. As the regulatory authority, we have put in place all the relevant modalities to ensure transparency and accountability while assuring real value for money in the entire tobacco value chain,” said TIMB Chairman Pat Davenish.

The Auction floor representatives have also revealed their readiness for the 2023 selling season.

“We have done our best in ensuring that all is being set up ahead of the selling season taking into account all the required protocol as well as compliance systems,” said Premier Tobacco Auction Director.

Ethical Leaf Tobacco General Manager, Tyson Ngongoni ensured the nation that illicit deals in the selling of tobacco would be dealt with.

“Every season has its own ups and downs, but like any other activities, we are upbeat about viable prices as well as ensuring that instances of side marketing and illicit deals are stamped out,” said Ngongoni.

According to the source, the tobacco farmers would be paid 85 percent of their earnings in foreign currency and the remainder in local currency. This incentive of paying the tobacco growers in foreign currency would result in increased tobacco hectares as both small and large scale growers become motivated. This is a positive development that will ensure the country earns more foreign currency revenue.