The Tobacco Industry and Markrting Board has revealed that tobacco sales have earned more than US$159 million so far. This is a 31 percent increase compared to the amount earned in the same period last year. More than 58.5 million tonnes of the golden leaf have been delivered so far. This is a 34 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
However, farmers have resorted to sleeping outside the auction floors as it is takiing days for their crop to be sold. The farmers are also having a difficult time in accessing their money. Statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board show that new growers have increased from 9 674 in 2016 to 18 188 in 2017.
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