Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has threatened to take serious punitive measures against unregistered companies that contract tobacco farmers, as part of initiatives to stem the genesis of side marketing.
TIMB said non-compliant firms were prohibited from supplying tobacco seedbed packs, inputs, or any form of support to farmers, noting that such illegal activities undermined the integrity and sustainability of Zimbabwe’s multi-billion-dollar tobacco sector.
The regulator stressed that only licensed companies are authorised to operate within the value chain.
“The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) hereby reminds all stakeholders that unregistered companies are not permitted to provide tobacco seedbed packs, inputs, or any form of support to farmers,” said TIMB.
“Such practices are irregular, mark the beginning of non-compliance and disorderly conduct, and constitute the genesis of side marketing, which threatens the integrity and sustainability of the tobacco industry.
“Only licenced companies are authorised to operate within the tobacco value chain.
“TIMB will take corrective measures against any entity found in contravention of these requirements. Report such unlawful practices to TIMB.”
The warning comes at a time when the golden leaf, one of Zimbabwe’s top foreign currency earners, is grappling with side marketing and disorderly contracting arrangements that have prejudiced both farmers and registered contractors.
Authorities have since intensified enforcement measures to safeguard compliant players and ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
Meanwhile, the regulator revealed that as of August 14, about 1 240 million grammes of tobacco seed had been sold, enough to cover an estimated 247 955 hectares.
This represents a 12 percent increase from last year’s 1 110 million grammes, which covered 221 954 hectares in 2024.
TIMB said the growth reflects a promising outlook for the upcoming season.
On the export front, tobacco has so far generated US$533,6 million from the sale of 97,08 million kg at an average price of US$5,50 per kg.
According to TIMB’s weekly report, the Far East remains the biggest buyer of Zimbabwe’s tobacco after importing 43,8 million kg valued at US$306 million at an average price of US$7 per kg.
Africa was the second largest market, purchasing 20,2 million kg worth US$88,4 million at an average price of US$4,38 per kg.
The Middle East bought 14,8 million kg worth US$46,4 million at US$3,14 per kg, while the European union accounted for 10,2 million kg of the shipments valued at US$56 million at US$5,47 per kg.
Zimbabwe also exported 4,1 million kg to the Americas, generating US$15,6 million at US$3,80 per kg, while other European markets imported 3,8 million kg worth US$20,1 million at US$5,23 per kg.
The Oceania region bought 28 560kg, valued at US$241 332, for an average price of US$8,45 per kg.
However, this year’s earnings are lower than the US$622,1 million realised during the same period last year, when 117,44 million kg were exported at an average of US$5,30 per kg.
Zimbabwean tobacco remains highly sought after on the international market due to its distinctive flavour.
The Government, working closely with the private sector, is scaling up efforts to increase local processing of the crop to boost value addition and maximise foreign currency earnings.
