TOBACCO PRODUCTION INCREASES
By Rueben Chomba
Government says the value of the tobacco produced in the country this year is in excess of 1 hundred and 13 Million dollars.
Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Songowayo Zyambo says tobacco production has increased from 31 thousand Metric tonnes last year to 45 thousand metric tonnes this year.
Mr. Zyambo says government is pleased with the growth of the tobacco industry.
He was speaking during the official opening of the 2021 tobacco marketing season in Lusaka today.
Mr. Zyambo disclosed that over 21 thousand small scale farmers and 2-hundred commercial farmers produce tobacco in various parts of the country, hence the positive impact the sector has on the economy.
He further appealed to key stakeholders in the industry to offer a fair price that does not disadvantage others during the 2021 marketing season.
And Tobacco Association of Zambia Vice President Zvhikonyo Mahombe said the sector has invested over 2 hundred million dollars in infrastructure development for processing of plants, construction of warehouses and farmer crop inputs.
Mr. Mahombe further said the sector has continued to create employment for women and youths.
Meanwhile, Tobacco Board of Zambia Executive Director James Kasongo disclosed that the board, working with other key stakeholders, has put in place the electronic farmer registration and booking system to enhance registration.
Mr. Kasongo said the system plays a critical role in the traceability of the crop and growers registered in the sector.