Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Specialist Writer – Agriculture
NATURALLY cured Virginia (NCV) tobacco farmers in Matabeleland South have since earned US$150 000 from the ongoing sale of the crop, as Government’s call to leave no one and no place behind extends to tobacco farming.
Statistics released by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), show that growers had sold 70 232 kilogrammes of the crop worth US$141 203 by Day 91 at an average price of US$2, 01 per kilogramme.
A total of 929 bales were laid, 925 sold with four getting rejected. The average bale weight was 75, 93 kilogrammes. The highest price so far is US$3, 40 per kilogramme and the lowest is at US$0, 20 per kg.
The sole NCV tobacco contractor, Atlas Agri (Pvt Ltd) Zimbabwe, chief executive officer, Mr Alex Mackay said though the development of the crop was still in its infancy, farmers in Matabeleland South had shown the zeal to expand production.
“Farmers are enthusiastic and really willing to learn and participate in this exciting venture. We have had three small sales to date with a few more to come,” he said.
In its second year of returning following a 62-year hiatus, Atlas Agri has expanded the production of the crop by contracting 122 farmers up from 17 in the first year Mangwe district.
The hectarage grew 740 percent from 10 hectares to the current 84 hectares and production is expected to grow from 4 000 to 140 000 kilogrammes.
Mr Mackay said the basis of the project was the incentive farmers get in growing the variety given that the region has few alternative crops that can deliver such good returns.
“Farmers are seeing a healthy net gain from this crop. Growth will continue to increase at a controlled rate to ensure all farmers receive good agronomy support. We need the structured growth to ensure no one fails,” he added.
The 2025 NCV tobacco marketing season was officially opened by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Vangelis Haritatos at Atlas Agri Contract Floor with 265 bales being laid and farmers getting their money.
“This crop, cured without firewood or coal, highlights our commitment to sustainability, industry growth and economic empowerment in new regions like Matabeleland South. Congratulations to all the farmers and partners making this green revolution possible,” he said.
In a tour of tobacco farms in Matabeleland South, the Deputy Minister witnessed the biggest tobacco leaf, which demonstrated the dedication and skills of the growers.
“All tobacco farmers across the country must emulate this level of excellence to drive productivity, sustainability and national growth,” he observed.
Exhibiting at the 65th edition of Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, TIMB expressed its appreciation for the major milestone in the decentralisation of tobacco production in Zimbabwe saying: “For the second consecutive season, tobacco is being successfully grown in Marula in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South. This is a true testament to expanding the gold leaf footprint across all regions – leaving no one and no place behind. One hundred and twenty-two small-scale farmers are growing 84 hectares of NCV tobacco under contract with Atlas Agri.”
Atlas Agri established a local tobacco sales floor right in Marula, which was inspected and approved by TIMB in a move that ensured that farmers sell closer to home, reduce logistics costs and boost local economic activity.
TIMB visited Dawson Farm in Matabeleland South to inspect grading of cured NCV tobacco by farmers on the basis of group, quality, colour, style and/or extra factors.
“Tobacco with the same qualities should be packed together for uniformity. This promotes proper grading and increases chances of fetching a better price at the sales floors. Mixing different leaves, whether in the same hand or bale, lowers classification and can lead to rejected bales. Proper grading produces better returns,” advised TIMB.
NCV tobacco requires no firewood or coal for curing. Farmers use sunshades and drying racks, which significantly reduce production costs and environmental impact, making the crop a sustainable option. Flue-cured Virginia and NCV tobacco have the same chemical composition and smoking characteristics, offering buyers a viable, high-quality product.
Looking ahead, TIMB said tobacco farming in Matabeleland has taken root, and the momentum is growing with sowing of seeds for the 2025/26 season in full swing.
“From seed to sale, the region is ready to make its mark on Zimbabwe’s tobacco map. The future is already in the soil,” said TIMB.
