Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
Herald Correspondent
TOBACCO entries for this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show have surged by 135 percent, driven by increased participation from growers across the country, including new exhibitors from Manicaland and Matabeleland South.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) has received 120 tobacco entries for the 116th edition of the show, up from 51 recorded last year, reflecting growing farmer confidence and wider participation in one of the exhibition’s flagship competitions.
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare on Wednesday, ZAS chief executive officer Mr Rufaro Alfred Gunundu said the increase underscored the show’s growing role in promoting quality tobacco production and raising standards across the value chain.
“We have recorded significant growth with 120 entries in 2026 compared to 51 in 2025, representing a 135 percent increase. The growth is driven by expanded participation from Manicaland and Matabeleland South and increased grower interest in both FCV and NCV. This reflects improved farmer confidence and the Show’s role in promoting quality and standards in the tobacco value chain,” said Mr Gunundu.
Mashonaland West accounted for the highest number of entries, submitting 42 Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco exhibits, up from 30 last year.
Mashonaland Central increased its FCV entries from 18 to 19, while Mashonaland East recorded a fourfold increase, rising from three entries in 2025 to 12 this year.
For the first time, Manicaland has entered the competition, submitting 14 FCV and 13 Burley tobacco exhibits after recording no entries last year.
Matabeleland South has also joined the competition, entering 20 Natural Cured Virginia (NCV) tobacco exhibits, compared to none in 2025.
The increase in entries comes as Zimbabwe continues to register strong growth in tobacco production, with more growers focusing on quality improvement and diversifying into different curing methods.
The tobacco competition is expected to be one of the major attractions at this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, providing growers with a platform to benchmark product quality, exchange knowledge and showcase Zimbabwe’s premium tobacco.
