Masuka urges TIMB to lead tobacco beneficiation drive

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AGRICULTURE minister Anxious Masuka says the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) should lead the process of transforming the tobacco industry from being a raw crop exporter to a processor of the golden leaf.
Masuka said this was key in developing the tobacco value chain and transforming it into a US$5 billion industry by the end of 2025.
“Therefore, TIMB should be instrumental in increasing value addition from the current two percent of total tobacco produced to over 30 percent as well as ramping up income for small-scale farmers who remain poor despite topping production charts in Africa,” Masuka said.