Record 1,400 bales at Byo’s second tobacco auction

A RECORD 1,400 bales were delivered by commercial and communal farmers at the second tobacco sale that was held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Hall 1 yesterday, with the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) noting that there has been a noticeable improvement in average prices across all auction floors.

The first ever tobacco sale in Bulawayo was held at the ZITF on 17 April with 16 growers delivering 400 bales. Yesterday’s sale was a marked improvement on the number of bales delivered by farmers from Mangwe and Bulilima districts, the two areas where 395 growers have taken up tobacco production.

Tobacco specialist Mr Rodrick Musiyiwa said more sales will be held in Bulawayo until the end of the 2026 marketing season.

“What we have done is to go around Matabeleland South Province and check on progress in terms of harvesting and when we are satisfied that farmers can deliver at least 1,000 bales, then we call for a sale here in Bulawayo. We anticipate that farmers will deliver more bales in the next couple of sales,” said Mr Musiyiwa.

Among some of the farmers who delivered a significant amount of tobacco was commercial farmer Mr Gary Rosenvale, who delivered 300 bales, while communal farmers such as Mrs Nothando Ncube and Ms Sinengekile Moyo, both of Tshangwa village, Bulilima District, each delivered six and five bales, respectively.

TIMB chief executive officer Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire said the market is now showing clear signs of recovery and stabilisation.

“There is a very noticeable increase in average price, where it has gone up on all the auction floors.

“So, we are very happy to announce that prices have started to stabilise in Harare and growers themselves would be testimony to the increase in price,” said Mr Matsvaire while speaking to the media on the sidelines of the sale at ZITF.

He said Government engagement with processors and auction floors helped strengthen buyer participation and improve overall market performance.

“What we are seeing is that following the minister’s visit and engagements with processors and auction floors, there has been improved activity and better price outcomes for farmers,” he said.

Mr Matsvaire said Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector remains largely export-driven, with about 98.5 percent of the crop destined for international markets, meaning global demand continues to play a key role in price formation.

He said the growing confidence in contract farming is also supporting market stability, as contract arrangements offer guaranteed markets and traceability compared to the auction system.

“So, what you would see is that contract crop is much more secure because it already has a market, somebody who wants to buy that crop, unlike auction crop, which lacks some aspects like traceability,” he said.

At the centre of the Government intervention was a drive to ensure fair competition on auction floors and protect farmers from early-season price distortions, while improving coordination across the value chain.

TIMB said it will continue monitoring price movements and buyer participation throughout the season to sustain stability and ensure growers are not prejudiced. Farmers have welcomed the improving price trend, although some say consistency remains key as the marketing season progresses.

Tobacco Farmers union Trust president Mr Edward Dube said he was satisfied with both the quality of tobacco coming from Matabeleland and the current pricing environment, while urging continued buyer participation.

“We are happy with the project of Natural Cured Virginia, which is environmentally friendly and does not degrade the environment. The prices are viable and we hope more buyers participate,” he said.

Last week, Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, led a high-level tour of tobacco processors and auction floors aimed at restoring confidence and improving market activity.

Since the opening of the 2026 marketing season, farmers have raised concerns over inconsistent pricing and early-season volatility, with complaints largely centred on weak buyer participation and uneven price discovery on auction floors.

Authorities say these challenges were initially compounded by reduced participation from some licensed buyers, which weakened competition and contributed to downward pressure on prices at the start of the season.