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Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has not yet set a date for the start of the 2015 tobacco marketing season. Traditionally, marketing of the golden leaf begins mid February. “No date has been set as yet for the 2015 marketing season as the rain season started late resulting in the rain-fed crop being planted late.

“The date to commence the 2015 tobacco selling season will be announced as soon as the marketing board sets it,” TIMB chief executive Andrew Matibiri said.

He said the three auction floors used last year had also been registered for the 2015 selling season.

“Contract floors will open once the tobacco marketing date is set.

“The three auction floors used last year will be operational again this year.”

Matibiri said four new buyers had applied to operate this year.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union president Wonder Chabikwa said farmers had begun curing tobacco.

“Farmers who planted their tobacco using irrigation in September last year have begun harvesting and curing tobacco.

“However, rain-fed tobacco is yet to be harvested,” he said.

Chabikwa urged farmers to ensure they produced good quality tobacco.

“ZCFU thrives to see the best quality of tobacco being produced by our members. We urge them to use the friendly methods of curing tobacco.

“Our tobacco should be ranked first in international standards,” he said.

The flue-cured tobacco output last year totalled 216 million kg, compared to 165.85 million kg in 2013.

A total of $684.87 million was realised in 2014 compared to $610.31 million achieved the previous year.

Zimbabwe exports the golden leaf to more than 50 countries among them China, Indonesia, South Africa, Russia, Malaysia and Belgium.