Harare, Zimbabwe | Preparations for Zimbabwe’s 2024/25 tobacco season are progressing well, with farmers expressing optimism about achieving a projected yield of around 300 million kilograms.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has set this target as part of the Government’s broader plan to transform the tobacco value chain, enhance local funding, and promote the beneficiation of the crop.
TIMB’s Acting CEO, Mr. Matsvaire, highlighted the alignment of this target with the Government’s long-term vision for the tobacco industry. “We have high hopes of attaining the set target following the pleasant weather forecast. We acknowledge the Government’s support, especially our parent ministry led by Dr. A.J. Masuka. With his hands-on approach, the country is on course to accomplish a US$60 billion tobacco industry by 2028,” said Mr. Matsvaire.
Tobacco, one of Zimbabwe’s top agricultural exports, has shown resilience despite challenges posed by climate conditions. Last year, an El Niño-induced drought affected many crops across the country.
However, tobacco fared relatively well, recording a production decline of 20 percent to 231 million kilograms, down from a record-breaking 297 million kilograms the previous season.
Government support has been instrumental in boosting tobacco production, with an increasing number of farmers joining the industry. Over the past two decades, the area under tobacco cultivation has grown significantly.
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The number of hectares planted rose by 53 percent, from 76,017 hectares in 2001 to 116,454 hectares last year. Additionally, farmers’ earnings from tobacco sales have surged by 152 percent, climbing from US$356 million in 2010 to US$897 million in 2023.
Export figures for 2024 reflect the positive momentum in the industry. As of October 4, 2024, Zimbabwe had exported over 159 million kilograms of tobacco, valued at approximately US$834 million. This is a notable increase from the 143 million kilograms exported during the same period last year. The average export price per kilogram also rose from US$4.99 in 2023 to US$5.23 this year.
In 2023, Zimbabwe earned a total of US$1.3 billion from tobacco exports, representing six percent of the global market. This marked a significant 30 percent increase from the US$1 billion earned in 2022.
Looking ahead, the Government is focusing on increasing the processing and value addition of tobacco within the country. Currently, only two percent of Zimbabwe’s tobacco is processed locally, but efforts are underway to raise this figure to over 30 percent. This initiative is expected to further boost export earnings and contribute to the sector’s long-term growth.
With favorable weather conditions and strong governmental support, Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry appears well-positioned for a productive 2024/25 season.
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