Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE harvesting of both irrigated and rain-fed tobacco is now in full swing across the country’s major tobacco hubs as the golden leaf reaches maturity.
Yet, late-planted tobacco is proving troublesome for farmers, with prolonged rains causing leaching and false ripening.
In areas such as Headlands, Nyazura, Rusape and Odzi, barns are firing non-stop as farmers work around the clock to cure their crop.
The familiar scent of curing tobacco fills the air—a hopeful sign of income after months of toil.
However, for late-planted fields, the heavy rains have begun to wash away vital soil nutrients. The result is false ripening, poor leaf texture, and lower-grade tobacco, which diminishes its market value.
For the 2025/2026 season, growers planted more than the targeted 140 000 hectares and remain optimistic that production will surpass last season’s 355 million kilogrammes.
Smallholder farmer, Mr Moses Mapaona of Chitachenyasha in Headlands explained the challenge: “The excessive rains are causing waterlogging in the fields, leading to false ripening of the leaves, especially for the dryland crop. The irrigated crop, however, is being harvested and cured without major challenges.”
“This season we planted four hectares of tobacco, both irrigated and rain-fed. We started harvesting our early crop two weeks ago, and it is in fine condition. The quality is good so far, and we hope to finish before the rains damage the rest.
“For the rain-fed crop which most small-scale farmers have in this area, it is being threatened by leaching. The rains are now excessive for the crop as the fields are water logged. This affects the root growth and eventually the leaf. If the rains continue pounding like this, some farmers will experience serious losses. The excessive water results in the rotting of the roots which leads to yellowing of the leaf. This will definitely affect our yield potential,” said Mr Mapaona.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) recently announced on its X handle that over 162 000 hectares have been planted, and advised farmers to adhere to all proper practices for them to be able to deliver quality produce to the floors.
“As of January 9, 2026, Zimbabwe had 162 625 hectares of tobacco established, a 42 percent increase from the 114 301 hectares recorded during the same period last year. This growth reflects renewed confidence by growers, improved seasonal conditions and continued efforts to strengthen production across the tobacco value chain.
“As the season progresses, adherence to good agronomic practices will be crucial in translating this expanded hecterage into high-quality leaf and higher returns on the market.
‘‘The tobacco crop across all growing regions is flourishing. We encourage all tobacco growers to continue adhering to the best practices in crop management, reaping, curing, grading and handling, to attain the best quality. High quality tobacco always commands better prices on the market,” said TIMB.
