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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 27042, member: 2262"] The tobacco sales season begins today in Zimbabwe, starting with a ceremony at the Tobacco Sales Floor in Harare. Contract sales that handle 95% of the crop are open tomorrow. Zimbabwe's tobacco has grown tremendously in recent years, helping create middle-class farmers in rural areas who produce top-quality crops. Parliament members learned this during a recent committee meeting. Patrick Devenish, who leads the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, told lawmakers that Zimbabwe grows some of the world's best tobacco. It stands equal with major producers like Brazil and India. The committee, headed by Felix Maburutse from Chivi South, wanted information about preparations for this marketing season. Devenish explained several factors that make Zimbabwe's tobacco excellent. He praised the agriculture ministry for its leadership of the tobacco industry. The contract system has existed for years but keeps improving, which helps small farmers develop. The success comes from these small farmers who have increased both their yields and crop quality significantly. Devenish believes the tobacco business creates wealth in rural communities. He sees small farmers as crucial for Africa's future. Global cigarette makers recognize Zimbabwe produces the best smoking leaf worldwide, which makes a huge difference. The marketing board employs dedicated staff who tackle problems like unauthorized sales. They licensed 31 buyers and 44 contractors this year. The crop has performed well since January, and they expect a very large harvest. Farmers told reporters they worked hard to grow high-quality tobacco this season. Both major sales floors said they stand ready to welcome farmers bringing crops for today's sales. Under new payment rules, farmers receive 70% of their money in foreign currency. The remaining 30% comes in local currency at current exchange rates. Foreign currency goes directly to growers' special accounts, and local currency payments enter their regular bank accounts or electronic wallets. Auction floor prices come from competitive bidding, where the highest offer sets each tobacco bale's price. Good rainfall helped farmers, with expected production reaching 280 million kilograms this year. Quality and quantity both look promising. The marketing board warned strongly against side marketing that hurts Zimbabwe's tobacco industry. Farmers who receive financial help from contractors must sell crops to those contractors as agreed. Self-funded growers should use auction floors instead. Some farmers try to bypass these rules by selling to unauthorized buyers or at the wrong locations. The board clarified that there is no free tobacco—only auction tobacco exists. To fight illegal practices, the board created a fingerprint system for farmers. This verifies their identity during growing and selling. The system catches self-funded growers trying to sell at contract floors or contracted farmers attempting to sell elsewhere. Illegal buyers called Makoronyera remain a challenge. They operate outside regulations and pay unfair prices at farms. [/QUOTE]

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