Zimbabwe is expecting flue-cured tobacco deliveries to exceed 250 million kg in 2019, according to a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation story.
In 2018, flue-cured tobacco deliveries reached a record high of 252 million kg and, whereas the 2017-18 season saw 103,000 farmers register to grow tobacco, the current season has seen 166,000 growers registered.
The 61 percent increase in growers is not expected to be reflected in the level of production, however, because the increase in registrations is thought to be largely to do with administrative changes.
The increase in registrations has been influenced by the need for growers to obtain individual numbers so that they benefit from the introduction of foreign currency incentives.
Changes to the way that payments are made to growers have made it difficult for the them to share money after selling their crops because they are no longer paid cash. The money is now being deposited in bank accounts or paid through EcoCash.
Tobacco production has been on the increase during the past because of the way the market has been organized and the recent introduction of an input scheme by the government.
Big Zimbabwe crop
