Story by Tendai Munengwa
ZIMBABWE is set to export more than 70 million kilogrammes of tobacco to China this year, down from 83 million kilogrammes last year, as the Government shifts its focus towards improving leaf quality to secure stronger returns in key export markets.
The strategy comes as the tobacco marketing season draws to a close, with authorities encouraging farmers to prioritise quality production and market-preferred tobacco styles rather than expanding hectarage.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka visited Tian Ze Tobacco Company on Friday to assess pricing structures, leaf quality and production trends at one of the country’s largest contract tobacco auction floors.
The visit forms part of Government efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in international markets and maximise value from the country’s tobacco exports.
Speaking during the tour, Dr Masuka said Government was closely monitoring prices being offered to growers and welcomed the pricing model being implemented by Tian Ze.
“Government is concerned about the pricing being offered this season, so as you are aware this is my third time after visiting other floors. We are happy that here Tian Ze is one of the biggest offtakers of our golden leaf. This year China is expecting to import 73 million of crop down from 83 million kgs last year and their pricing regime is fair as compared to others,” said Dr Masuka.
The minister said discussions with the contractor also focused on supporting farmers facing financial challenges following the season.
“It is unfortunate that some farmers have incurred some debt, and we discussed and agreed with Tian Ze that they will support such farmers until they recover, and I want to urge contractors to do the same. The message to farmers is that there is no need to increase hectarage but to concentrate on the best quality and styles required by the market,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector continues to show strong production performance, with more than 325 million kilogrammes having been sold so far this season.
Authorities remain optimistic that deliveries will reach the 400 million-kilogramme mark before the close of the marketing season, reinforcing the crop’s position as one of the country’s leading foreign currency earners.
The latest policy direction signals a growing emphasis on value and market competitiveness, with Government seeking to strengthen Zimbabwe’s reputation as a producer of high-quality tobacco for premium export markets.
ZIMBABWE is set to export more than 70 million kilogrammes of tobacco to China this year, down from 83 million kilogrammes last year, as the Government shifts its focus towards improving leaf quality to secure stronger returns in key export markets.
The strategy comes as the tobacco marketing season draws to a close, with authorities encouraging farmers to prioritise quality production and market-preferred tobacco styles rather than expanding hectarage.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, visited Tian Ze Tobacco Company on Friday to assess pricing structures, leaf quality and production trends at one of the country’s largest contract tobacco auction floors.
The visit forms part of Government efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in international markets and maximise value from the country’s tobacco exports.
Speaking during the tour, Dr Masuka said Government was closely monitoring prices being offered to growers and welcomed the pricing model being implemented by Tian Ze.
“Government is concerned about the pricing being offered this season, so as you are aware this is my third time after visiting other floors. We are happy that here Tian Ze is one of the biggest offtakers of our golden leaf. This year China is expecting to import 73 million of crop down from 83 million kgs last year and their pricing regime is fair as compared to others,” said Dr Masuka.
The minister said discussions with the contractor also focused on supporting farmers facing financial challenges following the season.
“It is unfortunate that some farmers have incurred some debt, and we discussed and agreed with Tian Ze that they will support such farmers until they recover, and I want to urge contractors to do the same. The message to farmers is that there is no need to increase hectarage but to concentrate on the best quality and styles required by the market,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector continues to show strong production performance, with more than 325 million kilogrammes having been sold so far this season.
Authorities remain optimistic that deliveries will reach the 400 million-kilogramme mark before the close of the marketing season, reinforcing the crop’s position as one of the country’s leading foreign currency earners.
The latest policy direction signals a growing emphasis on value and market competitiveness, with Government seeking to strengthen Zimbabwe’s reputation as a producer of high-quality tobacco for premium export markets.
