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Herald Reporter
Indigenous tobacco contracting company, Ethical Leaf Tobacco is set to roll out a $10 million facility during the 2018-19 season to boost production of the golden leaf.

The company, which has recorded phenomenal growth in just over a year of existence, is launching the $10 million Gold Class Inputs Scheme.

Chief executive Mr David Machingaidze said the scheme seeks to achieve substantial growth in yields through enhanced inputs and agronomic support.

“The input scheme has been well received by our farmers and we are enjoying the increased volumes due to this as farmers are clamouring to make sure they are registered for it.

“Our loyal farmers are set to benefit from this massive investment,” he said.

“The Gold Class Scheme is meant to compliment Government efforts in boosting agricultural production under the Command Agriculture Scheme.

“This will undoubtedly improve the livelihood of thousands of farmers in Zimbabwe as well as improve the country’s foreign currency earnings.”

Mr Machingaidze said the roll out was coming on the back of strong demand from farmers, which was contrary to reports that they were ill-treating farmers and forcing them to sell their crop against their will.

“Contrary to these unfortunate and completely baseless allegations, farmers are flocking to our sales floor with their tobacco, current seasonal statistics show that our volumes and market share have been growing phenomenally and we are receiving an average of 5000 bales per day, which goes to show that farmers are more than happy to work with us,” he said.

“We have also recorded very high levels of debt repayment, which in turn demonstrates the loyalty that we enjoy from our farmers. The success of the ELT brand has resulted in long delivery queues at the peak of the tobacco season but we have managed to provide speedy offloading and payment for our growers.

“We offer ‘rukudzo’ (respect), top prices, top service and inputs hence our brand has become the premier brand in Zimbabwean tobacco.”