Moffat Mungazi
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
THE 2025 tobacco marketing season officially opened on Wednesday, with the first golden leaf bale going under the hammer for US$4,65 per kilogramme, marking another exciting period for the tobacco industry.
Contract sales were expected to commence yesterday (Thursday), following the licencing of 42 contractors, and 32 buyers to buy tobacco from 56 selling points dotted across the country.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka said tobacco was key to attaining Vision 2030, adding that there was need to increase its value addition and beneficiation into cutrag and cigarettes from the current two percent to 30 percent by 2025.
“Government launched a deliberate growth plan for the sector through the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan with the objectives — to accelerate localisation of tobacco funding to 70 percent by 2025; raise tobacco productivity and increase production from 262 million kilogrammes to 300m kgs by 2025; increase the level of value addition and beneficiation of tobacco into cutrag and production of cigarettes from two percent of total tobacco produced to 30 percent to increase exports of cigarettes by 2025.
“There is very little movement on the localisation of tobacco funding to 70 percent, with the promised seed financing of US$60 million still not in place. However, some financial institutions are beginning to actively fund the industry. With the new tittle deed programme additional impetus should be provided for this important aspect of the plan,” he said.
Minister Masuka said a record 297 million kg was produced in 2022/23 season, with a drought induced reduction of 232 million kg in 2023/24 season.
“In the current season, estimates of upwards of 280 million kg are anticipated. During this period, the number of contracts selling points increased from 41 to 46, with a pick of 90 in 2022. The number of buyers (Class A) increased from 24 to 42. The number of contractors increased from 26 to 36,” he said, adding that preliminary indications suggests an increase in value addition and beneficiation to seven percent.
Zimbabwe is a choice source of flavour styles of tobacco desired by discerning world markets.
“Our tobacco is arguably, the most widely exported product from Zimbabwe. We must endeavour to keep it this way. We must continue to explore strategic alliance to accelerate production, increase value addition and beneficiation, to entrench local financing and to manage risk through diversification at farm level,” said Minister Masuka.
TIMB chairman, Mr Peter Devenish said the tobacco industry is a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural economy.
He said TIMB will continue to provide a platform where growers can showcase high-quality tobacco and secure fair price for their efforts.
“Looking back on previous years, we have witnessed growth in both the volume and quality of tobacco being sold efficiently. This progress would not have been possible without the continued support of our growers, whose tireless efforts ensure that tobacco brought to the market is of high quality. We also recognise the important role that our valued contractors, merchants and partners play in ensuring that the market runs smoothly and that all parties involved can benefit from the trading process.
“Together, we are building a stronger and more sustainable market for everyone involved. As we celebrate today’s opening, we also look forward with great optimism. We are committed to continuous improvement, and as such, we are investing in the future — both in technology and in our people,” he said.
Mr Devenish said TIMB introduced a biometric grower management system to protect farmers, curb side marketing, eliminate fraudulent activities and restore transparency and efficiency in the industry.
“The new system introduces biometric data capture, linking each farmer’s unique grower number to their fingerprints, GPS coordinates of their household and farm, and demographic data.
“This comprehensive profiling protects farmers and ensures that only genuine farmers participate in the market. Therefore, all growers are encouraged to take advantage of the registration process which will be carried out at licensed tobacco selling points and have their fingerprints captured to enjoy a more seamless 2025/26 season,” he said.
Mr Devenish challenged growers to abide by the marketing regulations that include submitting production estimates on time, using TIMB registered transporters and avoiding dealing with unauthorised individuals on the floors.
He also encouraged growers to adhere strictly to the stipulated booking requirements for selling tobacco on auction and contract sales floors.
“For this season, the board has licensed two auction floors — Tobacco Sales Floor (TSF) and Premier Tobacco Auction Floor (PTAF). We have a total of 43 contractors and 32 Class ‘A’ buyers have been licensed for this year’s marketing season; and also approved decentralised contract sales to be conducted at 56 selling points and seven centres,” he said.
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