Tobacco harvest could hit 185 million kg

Zimbabwe’s flue-cured tobacco production could reach 185 million kg this season (2013-14), 11 per cent more than that of last season, according to a story in The Zimbabwe Mail quoting an industry official speaking ahead of the start of the selling season in February.

“The outlook is quite encouraging and we will easily surpass the 167 million kg we got last year,” the official said on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk to the press.

“We have 20,000 more farmers and the minimum we can expect is 175 million kg, but it can go as high as 185 million kg.

“The quality is better too.”

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has announced that that the selling season will open on 19 February.