Zim sees 10% rise in registered Tobacco Growers

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has reported a 10% increase in registered tobacco growers across the country compared to the previous year, highlighting continued growth in the sector.

In its latest update, TIMB revealed that as of January 31, 2025, a total of 127,112 growers had registered, up from 115,053 in the previous year.

This figure includes both contract farmers and self-sponsored growers.

“Mashonaland Central leads with 46,026 growers, representing 36.2% of the total, followed by Mashonaland West with 43,849 growers (34.5%). Manicaland accounts for 20,295 farmers (16%), while Mashonaland East has 16,557 (10%),” the TIMB statement stated

The statistics show that the three major tobacco producing regions ,Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, and Manicaland account for over 86% of registered growers. Other provinces recorded significantly lower figures, with Midlands registering 173 farmers (0.14%), Matabeleland 128 (0.10%), and Masvingo just 84 (0.07%).

A tobacco merchant welcomed the surge in registrations and emphasized the need to encourage more farmers to join the sector.

“If truth be told, the current acting TIMB chief executive officer, Emmanuel Matsvaire, is doing a wonderful job and his efforts must be commended. Tobacco farmers need protection at all costs,” the merchant said.

Tobacco remains one of Zimbabwe’s top foreign currency earners, with exports surpassing US$1 billion last year.

The continued rise in registered growers signals sustained confidence in the sector’s potential.