Theseus Mauruki Shambare
THE number of farmers registered to grow tobacco for the 2027 marketing season has increased by 10 percent, with 81 797 growers having registered with the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) as at 15 October, reflecting sustained interest in the country’s lucrative agricultural export crop.
The latest figures show an increase from 74 082 growers registered during the corresponding period last year, pointing to continued participation in tobacco production despite concerns over farmer profitability and the need to improve returns across the value chain.
TIMB acting public affairs officer Mr Ryhne Chikuni said the increase demonstrated continued interest in tobacco farming ahead of the new production season.
He said: “As of 15 October, 81 797 growers had registered for the new season, a 10% increase compared to the 74 082 registered during the same period last year.”
The increase in registrations comes as farmers prepare for the 2026/27 agricultural season, with the sector expected to consolidate its contribution to foreign currency earnings, employment creation and rural livelihoods.
However, he said, the rise in registered growers did not necessarily translate into increased production, as actual output would depend on planted hectarage, crop management, availability of inputs and prevailing weather conditions.
TIMB’s preliminary production outlook indicates that the potential tobacco hectarage for the coming season stands at 85 025 hectares, compared to 94 582 hectares recorded in the previous season, suggesting that increased grower registrations are not yet translating into a corresponding expansion in the anticipated planted area.
Irrigated tobacco planting, which is permitted from 1 September under the country’s production calendar, is already underway.
“Farmers had transplanted 10 597 hectares under irrigation, against plans to put 20 000 hectares under irrigated tobacco production,” he said.
The early planting period is critical in ensuring that farmers follow recommended agronomic practices, including disease and pest management, soil preparation and proper crop establishment, while allowing the crop to mature within the prescribed production calendar.
The sector is also entering the new season against the background of the 2026 marketing season, which saw average prices decline to US$2.49 per kilogramme from US$3.32 recorded in 2025, highlighting the need for improved returns to sustain farmer participation.
The anticipated El Niño weather conditions also present another production risk, particularly for growers relying on rainfall, making irrigation, water conservation and adherence to recommended agronomic practices increasingly important.
Tobacco remains one of Zimbabwe’s major agricultural foreign currency earners, supporting thousands of farming households and a wider network of businesses involved in processing, transportation and marketing.
The latest registration figures provide an early indication of farmer participation, although the eventual performance of the 2027 marketing season will be determined by production levels, leaf quality and prices on the auction and contract floors.
