Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE transplanting of irrigated tobacco is in full swing across the country, with farmers in Manicaland reported to have transplanted 8 507 hectares, the highest across the country.
According to the latest statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), growers nationwide have planted 20 867 hectares to date, representing a 24 percent increase from the 16 873 hectares planted during the same period last year.
As of October 10, 2025, Manicaland had the largest area under the irrigated crop, with farmers having planted 8 507 hectares of tobacco, a 33 percent increase from the 6 391 hectares planted during the same period last year.
In Mashonaland East, farmers have expanded the area under irrigation by 45 percent, from 4 065 hectares during the 2025/2026 season.
Mashonaland West now has 3 667 hectares, representing a one percent increase from the 3 664 hectares planted at the same stage last season.
Mashonaland Central is in fourth position, with 2 766 hectares planted so far, an increase of one percent from the 2 733 hectares last season.
Midlands has doubled its area to 40 hectares, up from 20 hectares last season. Masvingo has six hectares, up from zero last season.
Headlands farmer, Mr Fungai Tsikwa, of Bormu Farm has already planted 15 hectares, and revealed that his target of 30 hectares may not be reached due to depleting water levels in the dam supplying his farm.
“We started planting on September 1, 2025, and have covered 15 hectares. Our target is to plant 30 hectares under irrigation, but this is now being threatened by the very low water levels in the dam. A number of neighbouring farmers have adopted irrigated tobacco, putting pressure on dams.
“Winter wheat also consumed a lot of water, and our hope is that we receive rains early to refill the dams. Labour, which used to be abundant for irrigated tobacco, is now scarce due to the increased number of farmers and area under the crop. Farmers are competing for experienced labour and making counter offers to attract veterans in the sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, TIMB has warned farmers against planting unprescribed tobacco seed varieties, especially one called KamuZambia, which is being smuggled from the neighbouring country.
“TIMB encourages all tobacco growers to buy Kutsaga Research-certified tobacco seed and seedlings,” the board posted on its X account.
“Don’t grow KamuZambia and other unprescribed tobacco seed varieties. Choosing certified seed guarantees strong germination and healthy seedlings, higher yields and better returns, disease resistance, and sustainable production, and compliance with industry standards.”
