Online Reporter
Post Reporters
FLUE-CURED tobacco sales have surged in volume this season, yet the value has plummeted — leaving thousands of growers staring at steep losses after nine months of gruelling labour.
By Day 46 of the selling season, farmers had delivered 223 173 091kg, a 31,3 percent increase from last year’s 169 896 354kg.
But the expected windfall never came: earnings stand at US$574 824 965, slightly below last season’s US$575 459 352.
In effect, farmers have produced far more tobacco for virtually no financial gain.
Statistics released Wednesday by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) reveal the depth of the erosion.
The seasonal average price has dropped to US$2,58/kg, down 24 percent from last year’s US$3,39/kg.
Some growers have been forced to accept as little as US$1/kg for poor-quality leaf.
Of the total crop, 208 417 333kg worth US$547 103 125 moved through the contract system, while only 14 755 758kg valued at US$27 721 840 passed through auction floors.
The shift towards contract sales has not shielded farmers from rising input costs, with prices offered failing to offset heavy investments in seed, fertiliser, fuel, and labour.
For many, the deflated returns threaten to turn the 2026/2027 season into a disaster.
Borrowing to finance production has left growers exposed, unable to service debts or fund next year’s crop.
“After nearly a year of tending, curing and transporting leaf to the floors, we are walking away with barely enough to cover basic household costs, let alone repay loans or invest in future seasons,” said Mr Difference Muchemwa of Chitenderano, Nyazura.
Grower representatives warn that the widening gap between output and earnings undermines the viability of tobacco — long celebrated as Zimbabwe’s “golden leaf.”
TIMB has sought to reassure farmers, insisting auction floors will remain open for as long as deliveries continue, dismissing speculation that most have already secured enough supplies and could shut prematurely.
In a statement, TIMB said all licenced auction floors will continue operating in line with the marketing season calendar and prevailing tobacco deliveries, urging farmers not to panic or rush into distress sales based on unfounded claims circulating in farming communities.
The regulator said reports suggesting that auction floors has already reached their required volumes are false and misleading.
TIMB emphasised that the tobacco marketing season is still active and farmers should continue bringing their crop to the floors under normal procedures.
“The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has noted circulating misinformation suggesting that tobacco sales floors will close soon. This information is false. Tobacco sales floors remain open to ensure all growers have adequate opportunity to market their crop. Growers are encouraged to continue with post-harvest processes, including grading and baling, in preparation for sale. Please note that TIMB is the sole authority mandated to announce the opening and closing of tobacco sales floors through its official and verified communication channels,” said TIMB on its social media handles.
The reassurance comes amid growing concern among tobacco producers following reports that some buyers are slowing purchases as deliveries increased across the country.
Farmers fear that an early closure of auction floors will leave many stranded with unsold crop or force them into contract arrangements at unfavourable prices.
The tobacco selling season opened earlier this year with expectations of another strong output, following increased hectarage and favourable rainfall in most growing regions.
Tobacco remains one of the country’s top foreign currency earners, with thousands of smallholder farmers dependent on the crop for their livelihoods. However, this season has proved challenging for farmers, as prices have fallen sharply amid oversupply on the international market.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Farmers union Trust president, Mr Edward Dune said most farmers, especially those who planted rain-fed tobacco, are yet to make their first deliveries and will be severely affected if merchants stop buying mid-season.
“Tobacco is not a crop a farmer can take to Mbare Musika and sell openly. If the floors are prematurely closed, farmers will suffer huge losses. The assurance by TIMB will help farmers continue with curing, grading and baling properly, without rushing and compromising leaf quality,” said Mr Dune.
