(Ecofin Agency) - In Zimbabwe, tobacco production should fall by 15% this season to 160 million kg. The fall is mainly due to the drought currently striking the region.

According to experts, the climate hazard, resulting from the El Niño weather phenomenon, drove farmers to delay planting of tobacco, thus impacting production. Another factor explaining the probable drop in output is the number of tobacco producers this season. They are 72,000 against 91,000 the year before.  

Given the context, Zimbabwe‘s Minister of Agriculture, Joseph Made said: “There is need to empower farmers to overcome the adverse effects of low and erratic rainfall, mid-season droughts and extending the growing season”

Zimbabwe who exports most of its output to China generated $855 million from its tobacco sales last year.  

Aaron Akinocho