Staff Reporter
Tobacco farmers have expressed satisfaction with the prices at the auction floors, fuelling optimism for a potentially successful marketing season.
A survey conducted by the Harare Post at the Tobacco Sales Floor (TSF) in Harare today revealed widespread contentment among farmers regarding the grading and pricing mechanisms.
Contract floors offered a maximum price of US$7.70 per kilogramme, while auction floors reached a peak of US$4.99 per kilogramme.
Among the contented farmers was Peter Zinyemba of Iben Dam in Shamva, Mashonaland Central, whose tobacco fetched US$5.70 per kilogramme.
"Today marks a pivotal moment for us tobacco farmers. It's a testament to the fact that dedication and quality pay off. Seeing my crop sell at such favourable rates fills me with immense pride and motivates me further. I urge my fellow farmers not to take tobacco farming lightly. Let's aim for quality; it's the key to unlocking better prices," he expressed.
Zinyemba’s sentiments were echoed by Taurai Manyukwe of Mazowe, who said that the good prizes were a triumph for the tobacco farmers.
"The excellent prices we are seeing are not just a win for a few but a triumph for all dedicated tobacco farmers. It's crucial we continue striving for high-quality tobacco to ensure we keep fetching these rewarding prices," said Manyukwe.
Another tobacco cultivator, Enock Kasaga from Chakanetsa Village in Mt Darwin, extended his gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the Government for their pivotal policy of ensuring 75 percent of tobacco sales proceeds are paid in foreign currency.
"This directive from President Mnangagwa is a game-changer. It empowers us to reinvest in our farms and adopt innovative farming practices. We are now transitioning to eco-friendly methods, like using plastic tobacco curing barns, which not only protect our forests but also ensure the sustainability of our environment," Kasaga elaborated.
As farmers like Zinyemba and Kasaga celebrate their success and embrace sustainable practices, the Tobacco sales Floor buzzes with activity beyond tobacco trading. Small businesses are thriving, capitalising on the influx of farmers and traders.
From food vendors to agricultural supply merchants, the auction floor has become a bustling hub of commerce, a testament to the vibrant ecosystem that tobacco farming sustains.
