Tobacco.org

Finance constraints hamper tobacco industry revival 

FINANCIAL constraints are a hurdle to the revival of the tobacco industry, where output� plummeted in the last seven years. There are serious liquidity problems with financial institutions struggling to raise funds, not only for the support of the agriculture sector, but for all the sectors of the economy.

Zimbabwe is targeting a total 65 000 hectares for tobacco cropping which could translate to around 80 000 tonnes at an average yield rate of 1 330 kilogrammes a hectare.

Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board chief executive officer Andrew Matibiri confirmed that they were targeting 65 000 hectares which would be a slight improvement on the 48 000 hectares planted last season.

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