Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Specialist Writer – Agribusiness
THE country’s production levels for natural cured Virginia tobacco are expected to rise 477 percent from last year’s 87 to 500 tonnes, as more farmers in arid regions adopt the crop.
This marks the third year of the crop’s return after a 62-year hiatus after it was last produced in 1962.
In the 2023/24 season, four tonnes of the crop valued at US$11 176 were produced by 17 growers with each committing plots ranging from 0,2 to 0,5 hectares to give a total of 10 hectares.
This year, 87 tonnes worth US$167 196 were marketed at an average price of US$1,93 per kilogramme.
The number of farmers rose to 122 with the hectarage rising by 740 percent to 84.
Virginia tobacco contractor Atlas Agri (Pvt Ltd) Zimbabwe chief executive, Mr Alex Mackay said they expected to expand production to 500 tonnes this year.
“Though production of the crop is still low, farmers in Matabeleland South’s Mangwe district have demonstrated remarkable zeal to expand production.
“This year we expect production to increase to 500 tonnes,” he said.
The Atlas Agri boss said some of the growers were planting the crop under irrigation, although the majority practise rainfed production.
“Planting of the crop is nearly complete for all the growers and reaping will commence in January 2026,” he added.
Mr Mackay said the basis of the project was the incentive farmers get in growing the crop given that the region has few alternative crops that can earn such good returns.
“Farmers are seeing a healthy net gain from this crop. Growth will continue to increase at a controlled rate to ensure all farmers receive good agronomic support. We need the structured growth to ensure no one fails,” the Atlas boss continued.
Atlas Agri has since established a tobacco sales floor in Marula, which was inspected and approved by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) in a move that enables farmers to sell their crop close to home, reducing logistical costs and boosting local economic activities.
Virginia tobacco requires no firewood or coal for curing. Farmers use sunshades and drying racks, which significantly reduce production costs and environmental impact, making the crop a sustainable option.
Flue-cured Virginia and natural cured Virginia tobacco have the same chemical composition and smoking characteristics, offering buyers a viable, high-quality product.
Production of natural cures Virginia tobacco is a milestone towards total industry sustainability, as the country’s arid regions get empowered to cultivate lucrative crops like tobacco.
This is in line with the Government’s call to leave no place and no one behind.
Natural cured Virginia tobacco seed is produced by Kutsaga.
The 2025 natural cured Virginia tobacco marketing season was officially opened by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Vangelis Haritatos at Atlas Agri Contract Floor where 265 bales of the crop were laid and farmers got their money.
“This crop, cured without firewood or coal, highlights our commitment to sustainability, industrial growth and economic empowerment in new regions like Matabeleland South. Congratulations to all the farmers and partners making this green revolution possible,” he said.
In a tour of tobacco farms in Matabeleland South, the Deputy Minister witnessed the dedication and skill of the growers.
“All tobacco farmers across the country must emulate this level of excellence to drive productivity, sustainability and national growth,” he said.
Exhibiting at this year’s 65th edition of Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), TIMB expressed its appreciation for the major milestone in the decentralisation of tobacco production in Zimbabwe saying: “For the second consecutive season, tobacco is being successfully grown in Marula, Mangwe District, Matabeleland South. A true testament to expanding the gold leaf footprint across all regions, leaving no one and no place behind.
At least 122 small-scale farmers are growing 84 hectares of natural cured Virginia tobacco under a contract arrangement with Atlas Agri.
