By Brenda Kayo:
The Ministry of Agriculture and stakeholders in the tobacco industry have embarked on the second round of the nationwide tobacco estimates survey for the 2023-24 farming season.
This has come three weeks after first-round results showed a 21 percent increase in tobacco production as compared to the quantity produced in 2023.
Tobacco Commission spokesperson Telephorus Chigwenembe said stakeholders look forward to results of the second round amid concerns over dryspells in some parts of the country.
“A report of the first round of the crop estimates survey showed that the country’s fields had 146 million kilogrammes (kg) of tobacco, up from 120 million kg of tobacco realised in 2023.
“The report attributed the projected improved production to increased hectarage due to good prices offered in 2023, increased number of growers, increased sponsorship and availability of inputs,” Chigwenembe said.
Commenting on results of the first round, Tobacco Commission (TC) Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chidanti Malunga said the regulator was hoping for a better season this year.
“We look forward to a more exciting season than was the case last year.
“It is our hope that the recently experienced dry spell in some areas will not have a significant impact on tobacco production this year,” he said.
Tobacco estimate surveys are conducted by industry players and are coordinated by TC.
The second round of the crop estimates survey is scheduled to be completed on March 15.
