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Zimbabwe's tobacco sector showing signs of robust recovery
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Zimbabwe's tobacco sector is showing signs of a robust recovery, with an 8% increase in registered growers for the 2024/2025 summer cropping season. As of November 15, 2024, 120,983 farmers have registered, compared to 112,445 in the previous season. The bulk of these farmers are under contract farming, fostering optimism for achieving this year's target of 300 million kilograms (kg) of tobacco.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) reported a 4% rise in the area planted, now at 33,970 hectares (ha) compared to 32,632ha during the same period in 2023. This includes 16,780ha under irrigation and 17,190ha of dryland tobacco, indicating expansion in both categories.
Resilience Amid Climate Challenges
The improved registration and planting figures come after a challenging 2023/2024 season dominated by El Niño-induced drought, which still managed to yield 231 million kg of tobacco. Encouraging forecasts of normal to above-normal rainfall have rekindled hopes among farmers, with Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr. Shadreck Makombe highlighting strong enthusiasm reflected in increased seed purchases.
"Farmers are geared for a good season, and we may see a bumper harvest. The optimism is widespread among both experienced and new growers," said Dr. Makombe.
Sustaining Economic Growth
Tobacco remains Zimbabwe's second-largest foreign currency earner after gold, generating US$1.1 billion from 202.7 million kg exported as of mid-November 2024. Key markets include the Far East (100.7 million kg valued at US$719.6 million), the Middle East (32.2 million kg worth US$101 million), and Africa (26.6 million kg valued at US$111.8 million).
To sustain this growth, the TIMB has rolled out initiatives under the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which aims to enhance production, value addition, and funding localization. The plan seeks to increase tobacco's value to US$5 billion by 2025 and US$10 billion by 2030, while boosting cigarette production from 2% to 30%.
Partnerships Driving Sustainability
TIMB has partnered with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) to ensure reliable power for curing tobacco. Additionally, it has collaborated with coal suppliers, such as Hwange Colliery Company Limited, to offer discounted coal prices, reducing dependence on environmentally harmful wood curing methods.
Economic analyst Wendy Mpofu commended these efforts, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in the tobacco sector. "Using coal instead of wood minimizes environmental degradation while enhancing production efficiency," she noted.
With government backing and a surge in grower registrations, Zimbabwe's tobacco industry is poised for significant growth in the 2024/2025 season. The sector's resilience, coupled with targeted strategies to improve farmer viability, underscores its critical role in driving economic growth and foreign currency generation.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) reported a 4% rise in the area planted, now at 33,970 hectares (ha) compared to 32,632ha during the same period in 2023. This includes 16,780ha under irrigation and 17,190ha of dryland tobacco, indicating expansion in both categories.
Resilience Amid Climate Challenges
The improved registration and planting figures come after a challenging 2023/2024 season dominated by El Niño-induced drought, which still managed to yield 231 million kg of tobacco. Encouraging forecasts of normal to above-normal rainfall have rekindled hopes among farmers, with Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr. Shadreck Makombe highlighting strong enthusiasm reflected in increased seed purchases.
"Farmers are geared for a good season, and we may see a bumper harvest. The optimism is widespread among both experienced and new growers," said Dr. Makombe.
Sustaining Economic Growth
To sustain this growth, the TIMB has rolled out initiatives under the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which aims to enhance production, value addition, and funding localization. The plan seeks to increase tobacco's value to US$5 billion by 2025 and US$10 billion by 2030, while boosting cigarette production from 2% to 30%.
Partnerships Driving Sustainability
TIMB has partnered with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) to ensure reliable power for curing tobacco. Additionally, it has collaborated with coal suppliers, such as Hwange Colliery Company Limited, to offer discounted coal prices, reducing dependence on environmentally harmful wood curing methods.
Economic analyst Wendy Mpofu commended these efforts, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in the tobacco sector. "Using coal instead of wood minimizes environmental degradation while enhancing production efficiency," she noted.
With government backing and a surge in grower registrations, Zimbabwe's tobacco industry is poised for significant growth in the 2024/2025 season. The sector's resilience, coupled with targeted strategies to improve farmer viability, underscores its critical role in driving economic growth and foreign currency generation.
Source - Sunday Mail
