Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
TOBACCO deliveries rose to a remarkable 340 million kilogrammes last week, markedly higher than initial projections of 300 million kg, as the industry is now angling to become a US$5 billion sector.
This year’s output represents the highest ever output since commercial production began in the early 1900s.
Smallholder farmers, most of whom benefitted from the Land Reform Programme, account for 85 percent of production.
Earnings from the cash crop have risen to US$1,13 billion so far.
Statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) show that as of Day 88 of the marketing season, 340,2 million kg of tobacco had been sold, which is 51 percent higher than the 225 million kg sold by the same period last year.
Of this, 321 million kg of tobacco were sold through contract farming and 18,9 million kg via auction.
TIMB public affairs officer Mrs Chelesani Tsarwe yesterday described the performance as transformative.
“Tobacco farming is not just a venture — it is a lifeline. It is empowering rural communities, educating children, building homes and driving employment,” she said.
“This year’s earnings of over US$1,13 billion reflect the hard work and resilience of our farmers.”
She encouraged growers to begin early land preparation and soil testing for the next season.
“Healthy soil means healthier crops and higher returns. This is the time to budget for inputs and consult experts on soil analysis,” she said.
Kutsaga Research chief executive officer Dr Frank Magama credited the current milestone to coordinated support mechanisms and strategic investments in technology and research.
“This season’s success is the result of collaborative efforts under the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan and the active participation of over 127 000 growers, 85 percent of whom are Land Reform Programme beneficiaries, smallholder farmers,” he said.
Dr Magama said Kutsaga, the country’s sole tobacco seed producer, is playing a leading role in steering Zimbabwe towards a US$5 billion tobacco industry through science-driven approaches.
“We are scaling up the use of modern agricultural technologies such as remote sensing and GIS (geographic information system) tools to accurately assess crop areas and forecast yields.
“This allows for smarter planning and more efficient resource allocation across the sector,” he said.
The seed producer, he added, is also driving scientific innovation through its Molecular Technologies Division.
“We are pioneering biopharming initiatives aimed at producing livestock vaccines and high-value medical compounds,” he said.
“At the same time, we are supporting food security and income diversification by multiplying tissue-culture plants like sweet potatoes and bananas. In partnership with Modern Leaf AI (artificial intelligence), we are developing Zimbabwe’s first AI-powered agricultural extension platform.
“This will deliver real-time updates on weather, agronomy, market trends, insurance and logistics — empowering farmers to make faster, better-informed decisions.”
Kutsaga believes the future of tobacco lies in a combination of innovation, environmental responsibility and global compliance.
Despite a 2,79 percent drop in the average price per kg — from US$3,43 last season to US$3,34 per kg this year — the sector has seen strong productivity gains.
The average bale weight rose from 76kg to 82kg, while bale rejections remained low at 3,01 percent.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association chairperson Mr George Seremwe, however, stressed the need to remain competitive.
“We have beaten the target, but the global market is volatile. Brazil’s surplus tobacco is being sold cheaply. We must invest in quality, compliance and technology to hold our ground,” he said.
As part of preparations for the 2025/2026 season, tobacco seed sales have increased by 12 percent compared to the same period last year.
Most irrigation farmers have already planted their seeds in beds, while others are expected to finish by August 1.
Zimbabwe National Farmers Union vice president Mr Edward Dune said: “Our farmers are responding positively. We now need to reduce costs, adopt energy-efficient barns and build capacity in post-harvest handling to protect profits.”
Online Reporter