Tobacco growers have sold 167 million kilogrammes, exceeding the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) forecast of 160 million kg for this marketing season, Reuters reported.

Contract and auction purchases have earned growers USD 497 million (EUR 450 million) since the season began, the news agency said. During the same period last year, 160 million kg was sold for USD 474 million.
Adverse weather early in the year prompted TIMB to lower its forecast to 160 million kg compared with 189 million kg last year. The selling season usually ends in the first week of August.