Story by Tamuka Charakupa
TOBACCO contract floors have opened in Karoi, Mashonaland West Province, with prices surpassing US$5 per kilogramme, signalling a promising start to the 2026 tobacco marketing season.
Farmers from across Hurungwe District thronged the auction floors in Karoi following the official opening of tobacco sales, which began nationwide on March 4.
As of Tuesday, the contract floors were recording a top price of US$5.35 per kilogramme, a development that has boosted confidence among growers who are hoping for improved returns this season.
Farmers attributed the encouraging prices to favourable rainfall patterns and timely distribution of inputs, which enabled them to plant early and produce quality leaf.
“This season we had good rains and we managed to produce quality tobacco. The prices we are seeing on the auction floor are encouraging and we are hopeful that farmers will realise good returns.
“We are happy that the auction floors have been opened closer to us here in Karoi because it reduces transport costs and makes it easier for small-scale farmers to sell their tobacco.
“The early distribution of inputs helped us a lot. We were able to plant on time and the crop performed very well, so we are expecting better earnings this year,” farmers said.
Meanwhile, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) says favourable weather conditions and increased farmer participation are expected to drive production this season.
TIMB regional manager Mr Aid Taruvinga said Mashonaland West is poised for improved output compared to last year.
“Last season the Mashonaland West Province produced around 106 million kilogrammes of tobacco. This year we are projecting a harvest of between 112 and 115 million kilogrammes. This growth is largely being driven by increased farmer participation, the good rainfall pattern experienced across most growing regions, as well as the early disbursement of inputs which allowed farmers to plant on time,” he said.
Authorities, however, have urged farmers to observe recommended agronomic practices to protect future crops.
Mashonaland West provincial Agritex officer Mrs Evelyn Ndoro stressed the importance of proper field hygiene.
“We are encouraging farmers to strictly follow tobacco production regulations, particularly the destruction of tobacco stalks immediately after harvesting. Failure to destroy stalks creates a breeding ground for pests and diseases such as tobacco aphids and viruses, which can significantly affect future crops. Proper field hygiene is essential in protecting the integrity and sustainability of our tobacco industry,” she said.
Meanwhile, Magunje legislator Hounourable Supa Monga Madiro called for increased awareness to curb environmental degradation.
“There is an urgent need for increased awareness among communities on the dangers of veld fires and deforestation. These practices are not only destroying our forests but also threatening agricultural productivity and the environment that sustains our livelihoods. As leaders, we must continue educating farmers and residents to safeguard our natural resources while promoting responsible land management practices,” he said.
Government says it is also focusing on value addition to maximise economic benefits from the crop.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hounourable Marian Chombo said decentralised processing would enhance returns for local communities.
“Our plans going forward are to push for value-addition of tobacco here in Karoi and other producing areas so that farmers and communities benefit more from the crop beyond primary production. As decentralisation gathers momentum, we want to complement these efforts by promoting local processing and other downstream activities that will enhance the value of tobacco while creating more economic opportunities in the district,” she said.
Hurungwe District remains one of the country’s major tobacco-producing regions, contributing nearly 30 percent of Zimbabwe’s total tobacco output.
