malvernmugadzikwa
Tapiwanashe Mangwiro
TOBACCO seed sales for the 2024/2025 farming season have surpassed the 1 000 kilogramme mark, a new record since 2019 and significant jump from last season’s 831 kilogrammes.
Farmers have predicted a much better season this year for one of Zimbabwe’s single largest exports.
The increase in seed sales lays the groundwork for higher tobacco hectarage in Zimbabwe this year, which would surpass the previous high of 164 000 hectares (ha) planted in 2019.
Kutsaga Tobacco Research Board reported that, as of August 13, 2024, farmers had purchased over 1 000 kilogrammes of tobacco seed, sufficient to cover 201 036ha.
Association of Tobacco Growers spokesperson Mr Tafadzwa Chimuti is optimistic that the upcoming farming season could set new records in terms of acreage, quality and output.
“This could be a record-breaking year, driven by last season’s favourable prices and the lack of alternative crops offering better returns than tobacco,” Mr Chimuti noted.
The boost in seed sales comes on the back of a favourable marketing season and the anticipated La Niña weather phenomenon, expected to bring increased rainfall.
This follows the devastating drought brought about by El Niño in the 2023/2024 season.
The dry conditions last season severely impacted most crops, including tobacco, with the 2024 harvest projected at 235 million kilogrammes, down from approximately 296 million kilogrammes in 2023.
Mr Chimuti said there was strong potential for the country to exceed both the area record of 164 000ha achieved in 2019 and last year’s output.
The increased interest in tobacco farming is also supported by the forecasted La Niña conditions, expected to bring better rainfall and improved farming conditions, further incentivising farmers to invest in the crop.
Tobacco Farmers Association chief executive officer Ms Ethel Myers echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that seed sales were a reliable indicator of the acreage that will be planted.
“Given the favourable tobacco pricing matrix over the years and the positive effects of the forecasted La Niña weather, farmers are motivated to produce high-quality leaf to achieve premium prices,” she said.
A Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development official, Mr Tinashe Simboti, said: “The broad objectives of the plan are to accelerate localisation of tobacco funding; increase tobacco productivity and production from 250 million kilogrammes to 310 million kilogrammes, increase production of alternative crops and increase their contribution to farmers’ incomes.”
There is also a need to increase the level of tobacco value addition and beneficiation, turning the leaf into cut rag and cigarettes, and ensure sustainability and traceability in the production of the crop.
The Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan seeks to increase tobacco production to 300 million kilogrammes by 2025 and transform the value chain into a US$5 billion industry through exports of tobacco value-added products.
Economist Ms Gladys Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi highlighted the economic significance of tobacco, which has consistently been a top cash crop for Zimbabwe.
“Tobacco brings in substantial foreign currency, with last year’s exports alone generating approximately US$1 billion. This influx of foreign receipts plays a crucial role in stabilising the economy and supporting rural livelihoods,” she explained.
“Beyond just foreign currency generation, tobacco farming is a significant source of employment and income for thousands of households in rural areas. The ripple effect of this industry supports local businesses, enhances food security and contributes to overall economic growth.”
Tobacco remains Zimbabwe’s leading agricultural cash crop and its second-largest export earner after gold, playing a pivotal role in the country’s economy by generating significant foreign currency annually.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter