Story by Tendai Munengwa
TOBACCO farmers have earned more than US$74 million within the first two weeks of the 2026 marketing season, which reached its 11th day on Friday.
According to data from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), over 27 million kilogrammes of tobacco have been sold at auction, up from 19 million kilogrammes during the same period last year, representing a 44 percent increase in deliveries.
Despite a slow start, the market has begun to stabilise following initial price fluctuations.
“The market has stabilised as farmers are starting to react positively to the market forces, the volumes have started to increase after two weeks of price discovery, so everything is now taking shape and we urge farmers to continue grading their leaf accordingly and deliver on time,” Market Analyst at Premier Tobacco Auction Floor, Mr Sam Garaba said.
Farmers have also expressed cautious optimism as prices begin to firm.
“We are confident that with the current situation, we are getting there where every farmer will get a fair price for their leaf, although prices were very low at the beginning, they are firming now,” a farmer said.
“I have brought my tobacco for sale on Monday after studying the market, so I believe I will get a good price considering what is prevailing now,” another farmer said.
The average price of tobacco currently stands at US$2.71 per kilogramme, down from US$3.50 recorded during the same period last year.
However, the overall value of sales has risen by 12 percent to over US$74 million, compared to US$66 million previously, despite softer prices attributed to international market forces.
