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A total of 170,6 million kilogrammes of tobacco worth just over half a billion dollars has been sold since the marketing season opened in March this year, statistics released by the industry regulator show. Statistics that the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) released recently show that tobacco sales have grossed $502.56 million.During the comparable period last year, at least 161,93 million kg of tobacco worth $479,13 million were sold at an average price of $2,96 per kg.

At least 138,43 million kg of the tobacco sold so far this year were sold through the contract system while the remainder went through the hammer.

So far tobacco is fetching an average price of $2, 94 per kg, slightly down from $2,96 per kg during the same period last year.

According to the TIMB, the number of farmers registered to grow tobacco declined by 21 percent this year to 73 592.

Of the figure, at least 9 333 are new growers, down from the 17 466 new farmers who registered last year.

The last cropping season was characterized by drought which resulted in farmers planting late, and the crop heavily affected by dry spells.

This year the marketing season opened with some farmers complaining about the new payment system in which they are receiving payment through banks instead of cash at the sales floors.

Zimbabwe is expecting 20 percent lower tobacco volumes than last year’s 198 million kg. – New Ziana.