Story by Tendai Munengwa
ZIMBABWE’s tobacco sector has recorded a significant expansion in planted area this season, with hectarage increasing by 42 percent compared to last year, pointing to renewed confidence among growers and improved sector stability.
Industry data shows that farmers planted more than 162 000 hectares of tobacco during the current season, up from approximately 114 000 hectares in the previous planting cycle. The growth represents one of the sharpest year-on-year increases in recent seasons.
Speaking in an interview this Tuesday, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) Chairperson Mr Patrick Devenish said the surge in planted area demonstrates farmers’ willingness to scale up production following policy support measures and stabilisation in the sector.
Tobacco remains one of Zimbabwe’s key foreign currency earners, supporting hundreds of thousands of households directly and indirectly through farming, contract schemes and downstream activities.
Industry stakeholders are optimistic that, if weather conditions remain favourable and agronomic practices are maintained, the expanded hectarage could translate into higher output and improved export earnings.
The tobacco marketing season is expected to open later in the year, when growers will begin delivering the crop to auction floors and contract buyers across the country.
