Story by Courage Bushe
GOVERNMENT-BACKED support programmes are driving the expansion of tobacco farming across Zimbabwe, with growers scaling up production amid prospects of another bumper harvest this season.
The sector, a key foreign currency earner, is witnessing renewed confidence as more farmers venture into the high-value crop, buoyed by favourable rains, improved planning and industry stability.
In Zvishavane, farmer Mr Tinashe Tsikai has diversified into tobacco production and is targeting strong yields from his three-and-a-half-hectare crop.
“We are glad that we are currently receiving good rains. This season is good for us. We are optimistic about a bumper harvest. Personally, I thank the Second Republic for supporting the agriculture sector. I also commend it for the programmes that we get from it,” he said.
Agritex officer Augustine Vuranda said the growth in planted hectarage reflects increasing confidence among growers.
“The increase in planted areas demonstrates renewed confidence by growers in the tobacco sector. Farmers are scaling up production as a result of improved planning, support systems, and stability across the industry,” he said.
Last season, Zimbabwe produced more than 350 million kilogrammes of tobacco, surpassing the 300 million kilogramme target set under the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) and generating significant foreign currency inflows.
With favourable weather conditions and expanded production, the country is anticipating another strong harvest this year, with prospects of exceeding last season’s output.
