Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
TOBACCO contract floors have opened in Bulawayo as Government moves to improve market access for growers in Matabeleland producing naturally cured Virginia tobacco.
Sales are being conducted at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC), where more than 300 farmers from Matabeleland North and South delivered over 1 000 bales during the opening trading period.
The decentralisation of contract floors is expected to reduce transport costs for farmers while improving access to buyers and strengthening participation in the tobacco value chain.
Farmers said the initiative is already transforming livelihoods and creating new economic opportunities in the region.
“I started farming tobacco last year, and from last year’s sales, I managed to improve my house,” a communal farmer said.
Another farmer said the programme is opening new opportunities for growers in Matabeleland.
“We are grateful for Vision 2030 because it has enabled us to grow tobacco successfully in Matabeleland,” the farmer said.
Commercial growers also expressed optimism over this year’s marketing season.
“I brought about 10 bales today because I am still harvesting. I am hoping for better returns this year compared to last season,” one farmer said.
The tobacco produced in Matabeleland is naturally cured using specially designed drying barns that rely on solar heat rather than firewood, making the process more environmentally sustainable.
“We use these barns for drying, and they produce the bright lemon colour that is preferred on the market,” a commercial farmer said.
Another grower explained the curing process.
“After harvesting, we grade the leaf before placing it into the drying barn,” the farmer said.
Young farmers and women said the crop is providing immediate financial returns and improving household incomes.
“This programme has empowered us as young farmers. The good thing is that we receive our money immediately after sales,” a young farmer said.
Another said lessons from the current season would help improve future production.
“My target next year is to work harder and avoid the losses I experienced this season. It was my first attempt, but I now understand the potential profits,” the farmer said.
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board Chief Executive Officer, Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire said naturally cured Virginia tobacco is providing a sustainable model for expanding tobacco production in Matabeleland.
“We have revived tobacco production in Matabeleland through naturally cured tobacco. This is one of the most sustainable methods because no trees are cut down during the curing process,” he said.
Mr Matsvaire said the initiative is widening participation in the tobacco sector and supporting Government’s broader agricultural diversification drive.
The expansion of tobacco production into Matabeleland forms part of the Second Republic’s strategy to increase provincial economic activity and improve rural incomes through agriculture.
