Harare, (New Ziana) – The country had sold nearly 200 million kgs of tobacco by mid this month,an increase of 21 percent compared to the same period last year, a cabinet minister said on Tuesday.
Addressing the 13th post cabinet media briefing in the capital on Tuesday, the minister of information and broadcasting services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said during the same period last year, 151 million kg were sold.
“As of 16 May 2025, a total of 189 million kilogrammes of tobacco had been sold at an average price of US$3.38 per kilogramme. This represents a 21% increase in volume compared to the same period last season, when 151 million kilogrammes were sold at an average price of US$3.52 per Kilogramme,” said minister Muswere.
With regards to the 2025 Winter Cereals Plan, minister Muswere said the production targets are set at 600 000 metric tonnes of wheat from 120 000 hectares, 39 000 metric tonnes of barley from 6 500 hectares, and approximately 236 000 metric tonnes of potatoes from around 8 700 hectares.
29 372 hectares of wheat have been planted so far, with Mashonaland West constituting the biggest chunk of 9 751ha followed by Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East with 5 524ha and 4 095ha respectively.
Masvingo has 1 031ha, whilst Matabeleland North has 1 525 and Matabeleland South has 2 413 ha.
He said according to the Second Round Crops, Livestock, and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA) report of 12 April, 2025, the country has adequate grain reserves at national level.
“In the interim, resources will be made available to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to facilitate timely payments for anticipated grain deliveries. The construction of 14 grain silo depots is making steady progress at 13 centres across the country, with the Kwekwe depot having been completed and officially commissioned by His Excellency the President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa,” said minister Muswere.
Turning to this year’s cotton buying season, he said it is set to begin on June 1, with prices per grade to be announced upon completion of ongoing consultations.
To support the season’s operations, he said preparations, including the establishment of 211 permanent buying points and 476 mobile buying points, have been completed.
New Ziana
