Harare, (New Ziana) – The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) expects the number of registered tobacco growers for the 2026/27 season to increase significantly as outstanding registration submissions are processed.
As of September 18, a total of 27 543 growers had renewed their grower numbers for the 2026-2027 season, representing a reported 41 percent decline from the corresponding period last season.
In an interview, TIMB spokesperson Rhyne Chikuni said the current registration figures should be treated with caution as the registration process was still ongoing.
“The figures are based on the latest weekly registration reports, but significant grower registration data is still awaiting processing. Further submissions are expected from contractors, including data from their third-party suppliers.
“We therefore expect the number of registered growers to increase significantly as these outstanding payments and submissions are processed. The current figures should not be regarded as a definitive indication of the final 2026-2027 grower registration position,” Chikuni said.
He said TIMB was encouraging all self-funded growers to renew their grower numbers on time to facilitate the registration process.
Mashonaland West had the highest number of registered growers as of September 18, with 9 804, followed by Mashonaland Central with 9 645. Manicaland had 4 368 growers, while Mashonaland East and Midlands recorded 3 649 and 59, respectively.
Masvingo had 17 registered growers, while only one farmer from the Matabeleland region had expressed interest in growing tobacco.
Chikuni said TIMB was also in the process of verifying the total hectarage planted so far.
“The hectarage planted to date is currently being verified. A confirmed figure will be provided once the latest planting data has been consolidated,” he said.
Tobacco growers have been urged to adopt responsible production practices by committing only to hectarages they can sustainably manage using their available land, water, inputs and other resources.
“Growers should invest in irrigation, grow drought-tolerant tobacco varieties like KRK71, KRK75, T78, T79, T80 and T81 and use moisture conservation methods to climate-proof tobacco production.
“TIMB will continue to monitor developments affecting tobacco production and provide relevant information and guidance to growers,” Chikuni said.
The slow grower registrations comes after tobacco prices fell sharply last season, with the average price dropping from US$3.32 per kilogramme to US$2.49 per kilogramme, potentially weighing on farmers’ interest in the crop.
New Ziana
