Zimbabwe's tobacco sector on the verge of another record crop this year

THE recently completed first-round crop assessment points to another record tobacco harvest this year, with Zimbabwe's tobacco sector firmly on course to achieve its ambitious target of producing 500 million kilogrammes of the golden leaf within the next four years.

Last season, farmers produced a record 355 million kilogrammes of tobacco valued at more than US$1 billion, exceeding the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) target by over 55 million kilogrammes. Current projections indicate that output will continue to rise, driven largely by the adoption of new high-yielding tobacco varieties, some of which can produce up to 2 500 kilogrammes per hectare even under dry conditions.

Government initiatives to localise financing, strengthen research and embrace modern production technologies are expected to propel the tobacco industry to a value of US$7 billion by 2030. Local funding has now grown to account for 67 percent of total tobacco financing, amounting to US$663 million, while offshore funding contributes the remaining 33 percent, or about US$330 million. This brings total sector financing to approximately US$993 million.

Most farmers with irrigated crops have already begun reaping, while those dependent on rain-fed production are preparing to start harvesting. The tobacco marketing season traditionally opens in March.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the sector's strong performance is anchored in policy coherence, financing reforms, research and innovation.

"During NDS1, Zimbabwe surpassed production targets and significantly increased the localisation of tobacco funding," Prof Jiri said. "With NDS2 and the forthcoming Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan 2, we are confident the sector will reach 500 million kilogrammes and a gross value of US$1,2 billion by 2030, while making a strong contribution to national development and employment."

He said Government is also pursuing diversification into new tobacco types, including dark fire, cigar and shisha tobacco, while accelerating value addition and beneficiation through local processing instead of exporting raw leaf.

Contract farming now accounts for more than 80 percent of tobacco production, providing farmers with access to inputs, technical support and guaranteed markets. Local banks, concessional financing facilities and the Tian Ze model, developed under Zimbabwe–China bilateral cooperation, are further supporting growers through low-interest loans and assured export markets.

Prof Jiri said Kutsaga Research has developed and released more than 70 high-yielding, drought-tolerant and disease-resistant tobacco varieties. He added that modern technologies such as tissue culture, biotechnology and climate-smart agronomy are helping farmers stabilise yields, manage climate risks and sustain Zimbabwe's competitiveness on global markets.

Kutsaga Research chief executive officer Dr Frank Magama said some of the new varieties have the potential to deliver exceptional yields when supported by good agronomic practices.

"Our drought-tolerant varieties such as T79, T80 and T81 can produce over 2 500 kilogrammes per hectare even under dry conditions," Dr Magama said. "With optimal practices, varieties like T76, KRK70 and KRK73 can yield up to 5 000 kilogrammes per hectare, while most farmers can generally expect around 4 500 kilogrammes per hectare."

Commercial Farmers Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said the growing emphasis on local financing and contract farming has boosted farmer confidence and productivity.

"The focus on local financing and contract farming gives farmers security and improves productivity. We are confident the tobacco sector is headed for another strong season," he said.

Zimbabwe National Farmers' Union president Mrs Monica Chinamasa said sustainability remains central to the sector's continued growth, particularly for smallholder farmers.

"Smallholder farmers are now better positioned to produce high-quality leaf, manage climate risks and access markets. This approach ensures long-term sustainability and growth of the sector," she said.

Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board spokesperson Mrs Chelesani Moyo-Tsarwe said marketing operations will proceed in line with the established calendar.

"Marketing operations will commence in line with the established calendar, with dates to be announced in due course," she said. "We urge farmers to prioritise proper harvesting, curing, grading and handling practices, as preserving leaf quality is essential to securing better prices and maintaining strong market confidence locally and internationally."