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Zimbabwe targets 300 million kg tobacco harvest
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The Zimbabwean government has set an ambitious target of 300 million kilograms for the 2024-2025 tobacco harvest, bolstered by favorable rainfall projections from the Meteorological Services Department. This marks a significant increase from the 235 million kilograms harvested this year, which was affected by an El Niño-induced drought.
Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, highlighted the growing optimism after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
"The target production for tobacco during the 2024-2025 season is 300 million kilograms. Currently, 120,963 growers have registered for the season, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the 112,445 growers registered during the same period in 2023," said Dr. Muswere.
He added that 93% of the tobacco will be grown under contract farming agreements with 27 registered contractors. As of November 20, 2024, farmers had planted 43,814 hectares of tobacco, up from 41,699 hectares last year.
Expansion into Matabeleland South
In a notable development, Matabeleland South, traditionally not a tobacco-producing region, is contributing to the national target. Villagers in Marula, Mangwe District, are planting tobacco for the second consecutive year.
The pioneering commercial tobacco project, initiated by 17 villagers, saw each farmer harvesting an average of 800 kilograms during the 2024 auction season. The program has since expanded, with more farmers expected to join and a focus on oriental tobacco varieties, prized for their flavor in modern blends.
Presidential Inputs and Cotton Farming Support
The government has also commenced the distribution of Presidential Inputs, including cotton seeds, to support farmers.
"On cotton, a total of 427,550 farmers will be supported through contract farming, covering an area of 278,750 hectares," said Dr. Muswere.
Infrastructure Enhancements
Progress is being made on the Silo expansion project to bolster agricultural infrastructure in key areas, including Kwekwe, Mutare, Mhangura, Mvurwi, Timbermills, Lupane, and Rutenga depots.
The 2024-2025 tobacco season demonstrates Zimbabwe's continued investment in agriculture, with the government and farmers working together to drive production and economic growth.
Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, highlighted the growing optimism after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
"The target production for tobacco during the 2024-2025 season is 300 million kilograms. Currently, 120,963 growers have registered for the season, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the 112,445 growers registered during the same period in 2023," said Dr. Muswere.
He added that 93% of the tobacco will be grown under contract farming agreements with 27 registered contractors. As of November 20, 2024, farmers had planted 43,814 hectares of tobacco, up from 41,699 hectares last year.
Expansion into Matabeleland South
In a notable development, Matabeleland South, traditionally not a tobacco-producing region, is contributing to the national target. Villagers in Marula, Mangwe District, are planting tobacco for the second consecutive year.
The pioneering commercial tobacco project, initiated by 17 villagers, saw each farmer harvesting an average of 800 kilograms during the 2024 auction season. The program has since expanded, with more farmers expected to join and a focus on oriental tobacco varieties, prized for their flavor in modern blends.
Presidential Inputs and Cotton Farming Support
The government has also commenced the distribution of Presidential Inputs, including cotton seeds, to support farmers.
"On cotton, a total of 427,550 farmers will be supported through contract farming, covering an area of 278,750 hectares," said Dr. Muswere.
Infrastructure Enhancements
Progress is being made on the Silo expansion project to bolster agricultural infrastructure in key areas, including Kwekwe, Mutare, Mhangura, Mvurwi, Timbermills, Lupane, and Rutenga depots.
The 2024-2025 tobacco season demonstrates Zimbabwe's continued investment in agriculture, with the government and farmers working together to drive production and economic growth.
Source - The Herald
