Zimbabwe earned 381 million dollars from tobacco sales to other countries. Farmers shipped 62.3 million kilograms of processed tobacco leaves across the world. The Far East bought most tobacco at 34.8 million kilograms for 269.6 million dollars. Asian buyers paid the highest prices at 7.75 dollars per kilogram. African countries purchased 11.9 million kilograms worth 52.5 million dollars.
Zimbabwe ranks among the top five tobacco producers globally. The golden leaf provides better money per acre than other major crops. Over 1.2 million workers depend on tobacco jobs to feed their families. Around six million people rely on tobacco farming for survival. The industry supports rural communities across the nation.
Government leaders want more factories to process tobacco into cigarettes locally. Current local processing handles only 10.15 percent of total tobacco grown. Officials target 30 percent processing levels for finished cigarettes and cut tobacco. Ten cigarette companies operate factories that make 4.4 billion cigarettes each year. More processing plants would create jobs and increase export earnings.
Zimbabwe ranks among the top five tobacco producers globally. The golden leaf provides better money per acre than other major crops. Over 1.2 million workers depend on tobacco jobs to feed their families. Around six million people rely on tobacco farming for survival. The industry supports rural communities across the nation.
Government leaders want more factories to process tobacco into cigarettes locally. Current local processing handles only 10.15 percent of total tobacco grown. Officials target 30 percent processing levels for finished cigarettes and cut tobacco. Ten cigarette companies operate factories that make 4.4 billion cigarettes each year. More processing plants would create jobs and increase export earnings.
