Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe is anticipating a larger and higher-quality tobacco harvest with expectations of production reaching a record 300 million kilograms, credited to a favorable rainfall season, the industry regulator has said.
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chairperson Patrick Devenish said this on Tuesday while presenting oral evidence before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
According to the TIMB, tobacco auction floors are set to open on Wednesday, followed by contract sales the next day.
Devenish said the country is expecting to produce at least 280 million kilograms of tobacco this year, up from 243 last year.
“The crop has performed exceptionally well since the rains began in January, and we are expecting a substantial harvest. Our second estimate is 280 million kilograms, and our team is already preparing the third estimate, which we believe will be even higher. While we are cautious about making promises, the possibility of reaching a 300 million-kilogram crop exists,” he said.
However, Devenish noted that prices might be influenced by the high volume of tobacco expected globally, as competitors in Brazil and India have also produced large crops this year.
“Our competitors in Brazil and India have both grown large crops, which may impact pricing. As many are aware, prices were strong last year. But as I have mentioned before, Zimbabwean tobacco is now globally recognized as the finest smoking leaf in the world, so we anticipate a strong selling season and a large crop,” he added.
Devenish credited the growth of Zimbabwe’s tobacco production to the success of smallholder farmers.
“The contracting system has been in place for some time, but it is growing stronger, and this has allowed the smallholder sector to thrive. A large part of the industry’s success is due to the smallholder farmers. Their yields have increased significantly, and the quality of their tobacco has also improved,” he explained.
“This has led to the creation of a new middle class in rural areas, and it makes our tobacco more desirable. By supporting smallholder farmers, we are securing the future of the African continent. Their success is key to the industry’s future.”
Ahead of the selling season, the TIMB has licensed 31 A-Class buyers and 44 contractors.
“There will be 55 markets this year, including both contract and auction markets. All these markets are prepared and have been inspected and approved by our staff. The 31 A-licensed buyers and 44 contractors are all licensed by TIMB to operate,” said Devenish.
Tobacco, predominantly grown by small-scale farmers, is Zimbabwe’s largest agricultural export and one of the country’s top foreign currency earners.
Last year, farmers harvested more than 240 million kilograms of tobacco, generating over US$1.4 billion in export earnings.
Zimbabwe exports tobacco to more than 60 countries, with China, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa among its largest buyers.
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