Authorities in the tobacco industry say the outlook for the 2019 tobacco season is positive and the green gold is expected to fetch more revenue than the previous year.

YFM spoke to Tobacco Control Commission’s Chief Executive Officer Kaisi Sadala, who said the prospects on a good season are on the back of good rains which the country is experiencing.

“We had a very successful season in 2018, this year we are expecting a better season than the previous one because all the regions are receiving good rains, besides, we are also encouraging farmers to produce quality leaf which will fetch much money and minimize retention rate,” Sadala said.

He said the commission is currently conducting consultations with different stakeholders to ensure smooth operations in the upcoming season.

“We are busy making preparations for the forthcoming marketing season which we believe will start in a month or two. Right now we are making consultations with various stakeholders to ensure everything is in order before the season kicks,” Sadala added.

TCC has just completed its first crop estimates and the results will be out by the end of the week beginning February 18, 2019.

Last year the total tobacco production was 147, 800,000 million kilograms against tobacco buyers’ need of 171 million kilograms.

The decline in production volume against demand made the season exiting considering that supply was ruling the demand forces.