Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry is booming, with a 42% increase in planted hectarage this season, driven by renewed farmer confidence and improved stability. This surge in production is expected to further solidify the country’s position as a major player in the global tobacco market.
According to official data, farmers planted more than 162 000 hectares of tobacco this season, up from about 114 000 hectares in the previous planting cycle. Industry experts describe this as, “one of the sharpest year-on-year expansions seen in recent times.”
In an interview with the media, yesterday, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) Chairperson, Patrick Devenish, said the surge in planted area highlights a strong appetite among farmers to increase production.
“This year’s growth shows that growers are responding positively to policy support and the stabilisation measures introduced in the sector,” he said.
He added that the expansion indicates rising trust in the value chain.
“Farmers are willing to scale up because they see consistency, predictability and better returns,” he noted.
Tobacco continues to stand as one of Zimbabwe’s top foreign currency earners, supporting hundreds of thousands of households through primary farming activities, contract schemes and various downstream processes. Sector players say this year’s planting momentum could strengthen Zimbabwe’s position on the global tobacco market.
Industry stakeholders are optimistic about the season’s prospects, with expectations hinging on weather patterns and farming practices.
“If favourable rains continue and agronomic standards are maintained, we are likely to see a significant leap in output,” an industry analyst commented.
“The expanded hectarage has set the stage for potentially higher export earnings.”
The tobacco marketing season is expected to open later in the year. At that point, growers will start delivering their crop to auction floors and contract buyers across the country.
“We anticipate a busy and promising marketing season,” Devenish said.
