Zimbabwe Tobacco Industry On Recovery Path

(Zimbabwe government via AllAfrica.com) THE tobacco industry in Zimbabwe is on the recovery path following a decade of decline when production dipped to a low of 48,8 million kg in 2008, down from a peak of well over 200 kg in 2 000.
The adoption of multiple currencies in 2009 ignited recovery with about 60 million kg being produced, doubling to 123 million kg the following year.
Last year, tobacco sales closed with about 131 million kg having gone under the hammer.
Tobacco production has been the main driver behind the 34 percent growth in the agricultural sector. The introduction of contract farming through which tobacco companies and buyers have provided training and inputs to small-scale farmers has been the major stimulant for the recovery. Continued