By Owen Mandovha
THE 2022 Tobacco Marketing Season roars into life this Wednesday, with auction floors indicating that everything is now in place for a successful season.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka is expected to officially open the 2022 tobacco marketing season this Wednesday, with contract and auction floors ready for a busy and lucrative marketing season.
The past two marketing seasons have been associated with strict Covid-19 regulations, with the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) giving an update on what farmers should expect this year.
“The season starts tomorrow and we advise our stakeholders including merchants, floors and farmers that as in all the previous years Covid 19 regulations should be adhered to as the pandemic is still raging,” said Ms Chelisani Moyo, Spokesperson-Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB)
Tobacco prices are expected to be higher compared to last season on the back of lower than expected production output coupled with reduced production levels in Brazil which is a major supplier of the golden leaf on the global stage.
The tobacco industry has been cited as key crop to the Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation Strategy and Government is incentivising local beneficiation of the crop in order to maximise foreign currency earnings.