Tobacco sales in Zimbabwe have so far generated USD 895.1 million, although most of the golden leaf has been produced by local farmers, reports NewZimbabwe.
Minister of Lands and Agriculture Anxious Masuka gave the Cabinet an update on the situation, saying that a significant amount of foreign currency has been generated through the sale of tobacco. “Cabinet is pleased to advise that the total tobacco production now stands at a phenomenal 295,499,782 kilogrammes, valued at USD 895,114,791. Of special note is the fact that 52 per cent of the total production came from A1 and A2 farmers, confirming that the Land Reform Programme has been a success,” he was quoted as saying.
The size of the tobacco crop increased despite higher fertilizer prices caused by the war in Ukraine. Zimbabwe expects to harvest 230 million kg of the golden leaf this season, up from 212 million kg last year, officials said at the official opening.