Story by Tendai Munengwa
HARARE-ZIMBABWE’S tobacco industry is on course to record another historic milestone, with deliveries of the golden leaf expected to surpass the previously set target of 300 million kilogrammes for the first time in history.
In an exclusive interview with ZBC News in Harare this Tuesday, the Chairperson of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), Mr Patrick Devenish, confirmed that the revised target of 310 million kilogrammes is well within reach.
“The latest statistics that we have as TIMB for day 64 of the tobacco marketing show that 273 kilograms have gone under hammer by Friday last week. With over five million kilogrammes being delivered daily simple mathematics show they the country can hit the 300 million kilogrammes target come this Friday,” he said.
Mr Devenish also disclosed that TIMB has taken measures to curb side marketing by halting operations of contractors who have reached their contracted volumes.
“Yes, we have stopped some contractors who have reached their estimated contracted crop. As you are aware, we are implementing the Biometric System aimed at curbing side marketing and protecting contractors who supply inputs to farmers. This measure is also critical in maintaining sustainable production levels,” he added.
Analysts have attributed the anticipated record-breaking performance to robust policy interventions by the Second Republic, notably the launch of the Tobacco Value Addition Chain Growth Plan.
The initiative seeks to enhance value addition and beneficiation within the sector while boosting productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Zimbabwe remains one of the leading producers of flue-cured tobacco globally, with the crop serving as a major foreign currency earner.
