Zim eyes 30 percent tobacco value addition

TIMB says the 2025 tobacco marketing season is progressing well, adding that the increase in volume and value is a clear indication of improved productivity and better crop quality (File Picture)

Conrad Mupesa Mashonaland West Bureau

ZIMBABWE tobacco industry is headed for a major transformation amid revelations that the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) seeks to accelerate value addition and beneficiation from one to 30 percent by 2025.

Responding to Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West Mary Mliswa-Chikoka during a tobacco industry stakeholders’ forum in Karoi this Wednesday, TIMB chief executive officer, Mr Meanwell Gudu said the board, in partnership with stakeholders and Government departments, was going to develop a three-pronged strategy.

The strategy aims at bolstering forex revenue contributions to the Treasury.

“Through the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Strategy, we seek to increase annual production to 300 million kilogrammes by 2025, increase local financing of tobacco production from 30 to 70 percent hectare.

“The TIMB also envisages an accelerated value addition and beneficiation from the current one percent to 30 percent by 2025,” he said.

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka had requested the TIMB to ensure that tobacco leaves the province in an advanced and processed stage to promote industry development in the area.