Farmers await opening of tobacco season with optimism

Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

As the tobacco marketing season approaches, farmers across Zimbabwe are brimming with confidence, eagerly preparing to reap the rewards of their labour.

With the auction floors set to open on March 5 and contract sales following closely, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation.

Farmers believe this year’s season promises to be smoother and more profitable, signalling a potential turning point for the industry.

Tobacco Farmers Union Trust (TFUT) president Mr Victor Mariranyika expressed confidence in the farmers’ preparedness.

“We are well prepared for the marketing season, and there is a high probability that we can surpass the annual target of 300 million kg,” he stated.

 This optimism is particularly palpable among growers with irrigated tobacco, who are ready to sell their crops and access the much-needed funds to support their ongoing agricultural activities.

The early opening of the selling season has been met with appreciation.

“Those who have irrigated crops are more than ready to sell. This will allow them to access capital for other essential projects.” While some farmers who relied on rain-fed crops are at varying stages of production, many are hopeful that an early start will enable them to sell a few kilos at the outset, providing immediate cash flow,” he said.

However, the season may experience a slow initiation due to the delayed arrival of rain-fed crops, which are expected to peak in June and July.

Despite this, Mr Mariranyika remains optimistic about the quality of this year’s tobacco, asserting that the leaf quality is good, and we expect better foreign exchange retention this season.

Tobacco Association of Zimbabwe president Mr George Seremwe emphasised the need for transparency in the selling process.

“Transparency is needed to ensure that farmers get their money from their work,” he stated, reinforcing the belief that a clear framework will help mitigate challenges and facilitate the movement of crops.

The potential benefits of an early marketing season extend beyond immediate financial relief.

Farmers in Banket shared their excitement, believing that timely sales will allow them to invest in other ventures, particularly for the forthcoming winter cropping season.

Mrs Tariro Muchemwa articulated this sentiment, saying, the earlier they sell our crop, the sooner they can embark on other crucial projects.

Concerns about foreign currency retention have cast a shadow over the optimism, as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe recently reduced the export retention level from 75 percent to 70 percent. Farmers worry that this decrease may erode their profitability, with some fearing it could lead to reduced participation in tobacco farming.

Despite these challenges, the anticipation of a fruitful season remains strong. Zimbabweans are expecting to produce 300 million kg of tobacco this year, with an increase in the area under cultivation to 84,661 hectares, surpassing last year’s figures. As the second-largest foreign currency earner after gold, tobacco holds immense significance for the country’s economy.

As the marketing season draws near, the combination of farmer readiness, proactive measures, and a hopeful outlook creates a promising environment for what could be a transformative year for Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry. With their sights set on profitability, farmers are ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.