Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
AS Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry targets a projected 400 million kilogramme harvest, Tanzanian-based Zimbabwean agronomist Mr Grant Nzombe has called for sustainable and traceable curing fuel to become a strategic priority, warning that future growth must be matched by environmentally responsible curing practices.
Mr Nzombe said Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector remains one of the country’s most remarkable agricultural success stories, having expanded from the pre-land reform record of 245 million kilogrammes to 354 million kilogrammes in 2025, generating more than US$1 billion annually in export earnings.
“Building on record volumes and the Government’s clear sustainability vision, securing a sustainable curing-fuel base is the natural next step to carry the sector confidently towards 400 million kilogrammes and beyond,” he said.
He commended the Government, the Ministries of LandsLands and Rural Development and Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development and the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) for steering growth through the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, saying the sector was well positioned to emerge as a continental leader in sustainable tobacco production.
Mr Nzombe said tobacco curing remains one of the most critical stages in the value chain and should be accorded the same strategic importance as seed, fertiliser, financing and market access.
“As production expands, fuel resources must grow alongside planted hectarage,” he said.
“Well-planned, sustainable and traceable fuel systems will help protect forests, lower production costs and strengthen Zimbabwe’s reputation as a responsible tobacco producer.”
He applauded ongoing afforestation initiatives and TIMB’s promotion of alternative curing technologies, describing them as important building blocks for long-term sustainability within the sector.
Mr Nzombe also urged growers to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient barns and modern curing technologies, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption while improving profitability.
“International buyers are increasingly looking at environmental compliance and sustainability. Zimbabwe has an opportunity to turn responsible curing practices into a competitive advantage on the global market,” he said.
He noted that stronger collaboration among Government, TIMB, tobacco merchants, contractors, the Forestry Commission and farmers would be critical in ensuring that production growth is supported by adequate and sustainable curing-fuel supplies.
“Zimbabwe has all the ingredients to become Africa’s benchmark for responsibly cured and sustainably grown tobacco,” said Mr Nzombe.
His remarks come as the country continues to implement measures under the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan aimed at increasing production, enhancing value addition and strengthening environmental sustainability across the sector.
