Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati
Agriculture News Editor
TOBACCO farmers have begun reaping and curing their crop ahead of the 2026 marketing season, which is expected to start earlier than usual, as Zimbabwe positions itself for a potentially larger harvest than last year.
Growers planted more than the targeted 140 000 hectares during the 2025/26 season and are optimistic that production will surpass last season’s 355 million kilogrammes.
The bulk of the crop is being grown under dryland conditions.
The tobacco marketing season normally opens in March, but this year arrangements are underway to ensure an earlier start.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, revealed this during a farm tour in Mashonaland East on Thursday last week.
Prof Jiri said marketing arrangements were being finalised to ensure a smooth 2026 selling season.
“We are assuring farmers that tobacco marketing floors will open early so that they can sell their crop on time and realise value,” he said. He urged farmers to stop planting and focus on crop management to maximise yields and leaf quality.
“Sufficient hectarage has already been achieved and attention must now shift towards nurturing the crop to ensure higher output and quality leaf,” Prof Jiri said.
Tobacco Farmers union Trust (TFUT) president Mr Edward Dune said reaping and curing were in full swing.
“Reaping and curing of irrigated crop continues uninterrupted,” he said. “Early dryland tobacco is at topping stage and doing well. Late crop demanding more nitrogen to flourish, yet there is a usual critical shortage of these nitrogenous fertilisers. Weeds continue to infest and the situation is worsened by the incessant rains in some areas and very unpalatable for tobacco.”
Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association president, Mr George Seremwe, said most farmers with irrigated crops were busy reaping and curing.
“The quality is quite favourable and we are anticipating good quality till the end of reaping. We are pleased with the quality of the crop being produced,” he said.
“We are also expecting good prices. High quality comes with good prices as well, so we are excited as there is a lot of crop out there and also, we are anticipating to surpassing last year’s volumes of 355 million kilogrammes. We expect to break the record again this season.”
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has urged farmers to cure their crop effectively.
“One hectare of tobacco should be supported by at least two barns, each measuring five metres by five metres by six metres (height).
“Having the right number and size of barns prevents overloading and excessive barn pressure, ensuring proper curing, good quality and reduced post-harvest losses,” said TIMB on its X handle. “The season is now advanced, make sure your curing facilities match your hectarage.” The regulator said the crop in all growing areas was flourishing.
“As the season progresses, we encourage all tobacco growers to continue adhering to best practices in crop management, reaping, curing, grading and handling to attain the best quality,” said TIMB.
“High-quality tobacco always commands better prices on the market.”
The regulator also encouraged growers to handle their crop carefully to maintain quality and value.
“Avoid damage during harvesting, transportation, curing and grading to ensure your tobacco reaches the market in the best possible condition. “Let’s reduce post-harvest losses and preserve profits,” said TIMB.
The structure of the tobacco sector has changed drastically following the successful land reform programme.
More than 85 percent of the crop is now produced by smallholder farmers, while 60 percent of production comes from beneficiaries of the land reform programme, in contrast to the large-scale commercial farming model that existed before 2000.
