Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
TOBACCO production in Manicaland Province continues to rise each season, driven by a growing number of farmers, expanded hectarage, and improved crop quality.
This surge is making a significant contribution to the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and transforming the livelihoods of thousands of growers.
The golden leaf is predominantly cultivated in Makoni District, the northern parts of Mutare District, and sections of Mutasa, positioning Manicaland as the country’s fourth-largest producer after Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, and Mashonaland East.
Last season alone, farmers earned more than US$178 million, with the crop’s benefits felt directly at grassroots level.
The majority of growers are smallholder farmers, while large-scale producers provide employment to thousands, further boosting local economies.
Speaking on the sector’s performance, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) spokesperson, Mrs Chelesani Moyo-Tsarwe highlighted tobacco’s pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s economic recovery, noting its status as one of the nation’s leading foreign currency earners.
She attributed the industry’s success to supportive government policies, the contract farming system that replaced traditional bank loans, extensive farmer training and support, and favourable climatic conditions that consistently yield high-quality leaf sought after on international markets.
“Tobacco production in Manicaland has risen by 18 percent this season, marking significant boost for one of the country’s key agricultural regions and offering renewed optimism and for farmers and the local economy. Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East continue to anchor Zimbabwe’s tobacco production, recording strong expansions of 25 percent and 35 percent, respectively, further reinforcing their status as key production hubs. Production in Mashonaland West rose by three percent,” she said.
Manicaland posted a steady and encouraging growth of 18 percent, reflecting increased participation and improved productivity across the province.
“As of January 23, 2026, Manicaland recorded an 18 percent increase in area planted for both dryland and irrigated crop with a total of 30 133 hectares covered in comparison to 25 625 hectares covered the same time last year. For the 2024/2025 season, Manicaland contributed a total of 54, 801, 628 million kilogrammes to the total 354, 881,661 million kgs record breaking national mass produced US$178, 936, 112 million.
“Zimbabwe’s growth in tobacco production is being driven by a combination of economic, policy and agronomic factors. Key among these is improved farmer viability supported by contract farming arrangements, which provides access to inputs, technical support and guaranteed markets. Favourable rainfall patterns in recent seasons have also boosted yields and encouraged area expansion.
“In addition, ongoing Government and industry reforms have strengthened the marketing and regulatory environment, improving transparency and confidence in the sector. Strong international demand for Zimbabwe tobacco particularly for the quality and flavour profile, continues to attract both new and returning growers. Importantly, increased emphasis on sustainable production and practices, compliance and farmer training is helping to secure long term growth while protecting the future of the industry,” said Mrs Tsarwe.
Tobacco Farmers’ union Trust of Zimbabwe president, Mr Edward Dune said tobacco has remained the most consistently commercially viable crop that can be grown by smallholder farmers.
He, however, called for a review of the contract system, especially input prices, which, he said, contractors are using to take a large share of the farmers’ earnings.
“Farmers lack alternative enterprises to make money. They are growing maize for food self-sufficiency, and if they grow it on a commercial basis, the main buyer does not pay for delivered grain. The only option that pays is tobacco, hence farmers end up increasing the area planted. Tobacco payments are also prompt and allow a farmer to plan and manage cash flows. Self-funded producers get more returns as opposed to contracted farmers who share their proceeds with the merchants. Contracts are still skewed in favour of merchants as they overcharge for inputs such as fertilisers and chemicals, and sometimes do not provide enough money for labour. The contract system model is enticing but profits are minimal,” he said.
