The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is conducting another Tobacco Classification Training session, a strategic initiative designed to enhance quality standards and grading skills across Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry.
The programme seeks to empower farmers, graders, and other stakeholders with the technical knowledge required to ensure premium quality and better returns on the international market.
Speaking during the training session, TIMB Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Matsvaire, said the exercise was part of the board’s ongoing drive to professionalise the sector and sustain Zimbabwe’s position as one of the world’s top tobacco producers.
“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder in the value chain from the farmer to the buyer fully understands the classification system and the importance of maintaining quality consistency.
Through this training, we are building the capacity needed to achieve fair pricing and strengthen Zimbabwe’s reputation for producing high-grade tobacco,”he said
Mr. Matsvaire emphasised that accurate grading and classification were vital to achieving higher market value and transparency in pricing.
“When farmers are able to correctly classify their crop, they are empowered to negotiate better prices and minimise losses due to grading errors.
Quality begins at the farm level, and that is where our focus lies ensuring that farmers understand what the market demands and how to meet those standards,” he explained
A TIMB training facilitator, Mrs. Patricia Moyo, highlighted that the sessions were not only theoretical but also practical, incorporating hands-on demonstrations.
“Participants are being trained to identify and separate leaf types, recognise moisture content, and assess colour and texture all critical elements in tobacco classification.
We want to close the knowledge gap so that farmers can confidently prepare their crop for the auction and contract floors,”she added
Local farmers who attended the session expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying it would help them produce tobacco that meets international expectations.
“This training gives us the tools to improve our grading accuracy and ensure our hard work pays off,” said one participant from Mashonaland West.
According to TIMB, the classification training programme will be rolled out across all major tobacco-growing provinces, reinforcing the board’s commitment to capacity building and sustainable production.
“The ultimate aim, is to make Zimbabwean tobacco synonymous with quality and integrity on the global market,” Matsvaire added
