Zimbabwe is projected to produce about 70 million kilogrammes of tobacco during the 2006/07 season, up from the 55 million kg that were sold last season.

In an interview, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers' Union president Mr Nyabonda said a total of 47 000 hectares of tobacco have been planted so far out of a target of 55 000 hectares and farmers were still submitting the returns. Some farmers were still planting owing to the erratic rains that were experienced at the beginning of the season.
Last season 44 000 hectares were put under the crop. (pi)