Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
THE tobacco sector has recorded a sharp 42 percent increase in planted area this season, signalling renewed confidence among growers and sustained stability in one of the country’s key foreign currency-earning industries.
Latest figures from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) show that farmers planted more than 162 000 hectares of tobacco during the current 2025–2026 season, up from about 114 000 hectares in the previous season.
The expansion marks one of the strongest year-on-year growth rates in recent seasons.
TIMB chairperson Patrick Devenish said the surge reflects growing farmer confidence following policy consistency, improved contract arrangements and relative stability in the tobacco value chain.
“The increase in planted area demonstrates renewed confidence by growers in the tobacco sector,” Mr Devenish said.
“Farmers are scaling up production as a result of improved planning, support systems and stability across the industry.”
He noted that the expansion had been supported by favourable rainfall patterns, timely land preparation and wider access to contract financing, which enabled more growers to plant earlier and increase hectarage.
Tobacco remains one of Zimbabwe’s top export earners, supporting hundreds of thousands of households through direct farming activities, contract schemes, transport, processing and downstream industries.
In recent years, the crop has consistently contributed significant foreign currency inflows, underpinning rural incomes and national economic performance.
Industry players are optimistic that the expanded hectarage will translate into higher output, provided weather conditions remain favourable and farmers adhere to recommended agronomic practices such as timely fertiliser application, pest control and efficient curing methods.
Mr Devenish said TIMB was working closely with farmers, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure quality standards are maintained despite the larger crop.
“Our focus is not only on volume, but also on quality and sustainability. We are encouraging farmers to adopt good agronomic and environmental practices to maximise returns and protect the long-term viability of the sector,” he said.
The increased planted area comes as authorities continue to promote sustainable tobacco production, including efficient curing technologies, afforestation programmes and responsible use of inputs to minimise environmental impact.
The tobacco marketing season is expected to open later in the year, when growers will begin delivering their crop to auction floors and contract buyers across the country.
Preparations are already underway to ensure smooth marketing, orderly deliveries and fair pricing mechanisms.
