Story by Tendai Munengwa
THE current tobacco marketing season has brought a wave of transformation to farmers across the country, especially among women and young people.
With improved pricing and smoother processes at auction floors, many have managed to buy valuable assets and change their lives for the better.
Traditionally, the tobacco marketing season has been a period of mixed emotions, smiles for those producing high-quality tobacco, but frustration for some due to poor pricing models and delayed payments.
However, this year marks a significant shift.
Farmers interviewed by ZBC News at various selling points are satisfied with the marketing season so far.
“Since I started growing tobacco, my life has changed. I can send my children to school. I do free-funded tobacco and the high prices I got so far are between US$4.00 to US$4.99. This has empowered me to buy assets like a scotch cart, and household goodies, and I am happy that we have been transformed by growing tobacco,” a tobacco farmer from Karoi said.
“If you come to my homestead you will be impressed. I have solar power energy, and the stability in prices of tobacco has enriched us to buy assets like grinding mills,” another farmer said.
While some youths are falling into the trap of drug abuse, others are enjoying the fruits of hard work and independence at auction floors.
“We have sold our tobacco and fetched fair prices, I am 18 years, but for the past two years, my life has changed. I bought a grinding and next year, I will buy a sheller. These are assets which can generate more income for me,” a young tobacco farmer said.
“I have witnessed several farmers from our area buying cattle and this year, some have even bought cars for mushikaka in the rural areas. This is all because there is stability and fair pricing at auction floors where a farmer does not owe anyone,” a community member said.
Meanwhile, latest statistics by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) show US$280 million has been realised from tobacco sales since the beginning of the marketing season last month.
However, the figures fall short of the US$325 million realised during the same period last year.
The situation has been attributed to delays in planting, owing to the late onset of the rains last year.
