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Zimbabwe Tobacco Output Seen Rising, Even as Seed Sales Decline  

Zimbabwe may double production of tobacco next year, even after seed sales declined by 10 percent, the state-owned Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board said.

The Zimbabwe Tobacco Association, which represents most farmers in the southern African nation, said seed-sales data isn't sufficient to determine a forecast of output because large quantities are smuggled to neighboring countries. About 434 kilograms (957 pounds) of seed has been sold this year, compared with 482 kilograms in 2007-08, the Harare-based TIMB said.

``The amount of seed sold this year is sufficient to produce 130 million kilograms of tobacco'' next year, Andrew Matibiri, chief executive officer of the board, said by phone today. Production this year may total 65 million kilograms, the Sunday Mail reported on July 21.

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