Story by Tendai Munengwa
ZIMBABWE’S 2026 tobacco marketing season is gathering momentum, with farmers earning more than US$400 million as deliveries intensify across auction and contract floors.
The surge in deliveries comes as prices continue to firm, boosting farmer confidence ahead of the peak marketing period.
Auction floors are now handling large volumes of the golden leaf, reflecting renewed optimism among growers as market conditions improve following a subdued start to the season.
Farmers say the recent price recovery is beginning to restore confidence after early-season volatility.
One grower expressed satisfaction after achieving a top price of US$4.99 per kilogramme, attributing the strong return to sound agronomic practices and proper crop management.
Despite the improved market sentiment, some farmers reported that heavy rains during the first half of the growing season affected crop quality and weight through nutrient leaching, resulting in lower yields and reduced earnings.
Tobacco marketing expert Mr Sam Garaba said the recent increase in volumes points to growing confidence among farmers.
“The prices were low during the early stage of the marketing season, but we are seeing volumes shooting up, an indication of confidence by farmers over the high prices prevailing now. The 2025 prices are back, so from the look of things, the market has stabilised,” he said.
Current average prices are hovering between US$2.06 and US$2.69 per kilogramme, a significant improvement from the depressed levels recorded at the opening of the season.
Industry analysts are encouraging farmers who had withheld their crop in anticipation of better prices to take advantage of the firmer market conditions.
With deliveries expected to continue rising during the peak marketing window, experts say increasing the number of buying teams at auction floors will be critical to improving efficiency and reducing delays.
Zimbabwe remains one of the world’s leading tobacco producers, and the strong performance of the sector continues to play a pivotal role in supporting rural incomes, export earnings and broader agricultural growth.
