Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has issued a stern warning to tobacco growers against planting illegal and unregistered seed varieties, saying the practice threatens leaf quality, farmer profitability and Zimbabwe’s hard-earned reputation as a producer of premium tobacco.
The warning was made during the Inaugural Joint Illegal Tobacco Varieties Indaba, jointly hosted by TIMB and Kutsaga Research Station under the theme: “Protecting the Integrity of Zimbabwe’s Golden Leaf: Combating Unprescribed Tobacco Varieties.”
The gathering brought together key stakeholders amid growing concern over the proliferation of illicit seed varieties entering the country and finding their way into farmers’ fields.
Kutsaga Research Station, formerly the Tobacco Research Board, remains the sole legally authorised supplier of tobacco seed.
Under existing regulations, farmers are prohibited from sourcing tobacco seed from unauthorised channels, with offenders risking prosecution and the destruction of affected crops.
Of particular concern is the growing popularity of an illegally imported tobacco variety from Zambia, commonly known among farmers as “KamuZambia”, which authorities say has not been approved for growing in Zimbabwe.
TIMB said registered seed varieties undergo years of scientific research, testing and evaluation before being released for commercial production.
“Registered tobacco seed varieties developed by Kutsaga undergo rigorous research and testing before approval. These varieties offer consistently high yields, superior leaf quality, resistance to multiple diseases and high germination rates,” said TIMB.
The board warned that illegal seed varieties originate from uncertified genetic material and have not undergone the strict quality and disease-resistance tests required for commercial production.
“Illegal or unregistered tobacco varieties come from uncertified germplasm and are not approved for production in Zimbabwe. Their use compromises leaf quality, traceability and ultimately damages the market reputation of Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry,” said TIMB.
Farmers were urged to purchase seed only from Kutsaga outlets and authorised agents.
“Every genuine seed packet carries a unique serial number and QR code, providing authenticity, traceability and quality assurance. By protecting the integrity of Zimbabwe’s tobacco varieties today, the industry can continue producing premium-quality tobacco that commands favourable prices because of its quality, consistency and traceability,” TIMB said.
National Farmers union of Zimbabwe agronomist, Mr Antony Manyika, said compliance with industry regulations is essential for the long-term sustainability of the tobacco sector.
He warned that farmers growing unapproved varieties risk severe financial losses, particularly when crops fail to perform as expected.
“Farmers must comply with the statutes governing tobacco production. Every stakeholder must play their part if the industry is to remain viable and competitive. Farmers stand to lose significantly through unscrupulous practices that undermine the sector,” said Mr Manyika.
He also called on authorities to strengthen border controls to curb the illegal importation of seed varieties.
“The Government must address the issue of porous borders and strengthen regulation of seed imports. Illegal varieties pose a serious threat to the gains the industry has made over the years,” he said.
Mr Manyika warned that some of the banned varieties can reintroduce devastating crop diseases that Zimbabwe has successfully managed to contain.
“Zimbabwe has managed to keep diseases such as bushy top and black shank under control. There is a real danger that these diseases could return through illegal seed varieties. Farmers should not be attracted by claims of high yields alone because some of these varieties also introduce pests and diseases that are difficult to manage,” he said.
Meanwhile, TIMB has announced that the 2026 tobacco marketing season will officially close on July 31, with mop-up sales scheduled for August 5 and 6 to allow growers with remaining tobacco to complete deliveries.
In a notice to stakeholders, the board outlined the arrangements for the end of the marketing season.
“All auction floors will officially close on July 31, 2026. Growers with auction tobacco remaining after the official closure may deliver it to any auction floor. Mop-up sales will be conducted on August 5 and August 6, 2026. Contract sales will continue until individual contractors have completed receiving tobacco deliveries from their contracted growers,” said TIMB.
The 2026 marketing season has been widely regarded as one of the most challenging in recent years, with growers reporting significantly lower prices compared to previous seasons.
Unlike past years, when farmers enjoyed strong returns, many producers, particularly small-scale growers, struggled to break even as prices remained subdued throughout the season.
Mr Manyika said most farmers have completed their deliveries, with only a handful of large-scale commercial producers still bringing tobacco to the market.
“Most farmers have finished delivering their crop, except for a few large-scale commercial farmers. It was not a good season. Prices were considerably lower than in previous years, leaving many growers saddled with debt,” he said.
Statistics from TIMB show that as of July 17, tobacco sales had generated US$882,9 million, compared to US$1,15 billion recorded during the same period last year.
The highest price recorded this season was US$5,75 per kilogramme, down from US$6,30 per kilogramme last year, while the lowest price remained US$0,10 per kilogramme for poor-quality leaf.
