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Elton Manguwo
PROSPECTS of achieving 300 million kilogrammes of tobacco in the 2024/25 season continue to firm with the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) reporting remarkable progress in preparations with farmers targeting bountiful yields.
In a statement, TIMB public affairs officer Mrs Chelesani Tsarwe on Thursday said preparations for the 2024/25 tobacco season were progressing well with most farmers expressing optimism about the upcoming cropping period.
Their target is in line with the Government’s value chain transformation plan for the tobacco industry, which focuses on improving the beneficiation process to increase local investment in the industry.
“By enhancing the value chain, the Government intends to maximise profits at each stage from production to processing, then marketing,” said Mrs Tsarwe.
With consistent rainfall and moderate temperatures expected, farmers are better positioned to maximise their outputs.
“We are optimistic about achieving the set target, thanks to the favourable weather forecast,” said Mrs Tsarwe.
Government has implemented various strategic initiatives that foster growth and enhance productivity within the industry.
“With these efforts, the country aims to transform its tobacco industry into a robust economic powerhouse, scoring a remarkable valuation of US$60 billion by 2028,” said Mrs Tsarwe
Despite the drought caused by El Niño that devastated several crops last year, tobacco fared relatively well. The yield decreased by 20 percent, reaching about 231 million kilogrammes, down from the record 297 million kilogrammes attained in the previous season.
“Government support has seen a remarkable increase in the number of tobacco growers evidenced by rising production records and foreign currency earnings,” said Mrs Tsarwe
The area under cultivation has increased by 53 percent from 76 017 hectares in 2001 to 116 454 hectares last year. Additionally, farmers’ earnings have surged by 152 percent from US$356 million in 2010 to US$897 million last year.
As of October 4, 2024, a total of 159 433 679 kilogrammes of tobacco valued at US$833 992 692 had been exported compared to 143 233 697 kilogrammes recorded during the same period last year.
“The average export price this year stands at $5, 23 marking an increase from $4, 99 recorded during the same period last year,” said Mrs Tsarwe
Last year the country earned US$1, 3 billion from tobacco exports, which is six percent of the global market. This was a 30 percent surge from US$1 billion in 2022.
Government is therefore working to increase processing and value addition of tobacco from two percent to more than 30 to boost earnings.
Online Reporter