Tobacco Farmers Set New Sales Record

Oscar J Jeke -Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwean tobacco farmers have shattered previous records after selling 299.1 million kilograms of tobacco so far this season, officially surpassing the previous high of 296 million kg recorded in 2023.

The Zimbabwe Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board confirmed the new milestone in a statement.

“As of Day 71, a massive 299,158,624 kilograms of tobacco have been sold, and farmers have earned just over US$1 billion,” said TIMB. “We’re now just 841,376 kg away from reaching the legendary 300 million kg milestone, the heart of our Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan. Congratulations, Zimbabwe!”

The new record reflects a 44.62% increase in volume sold compared to the same time last year, when 206.8 million kg had been sold. Revenue from the crop has also surged 40.5% year-on-year, rising to US$1.004 billion from US$714.9 million in 2024.

The leap in production is attributed to increased plantings and a growing number of farmers. Tobacco hectarage rose to 125,000 hectares in the 2024/25 season from 113,000 hectares last year. The number of registered growers also grew by 11% to reach 127,311, with smallholder farmers contributing about 85% of total output.

Of the tobacco sold so far, 95% came through contract sales, underscoring the dominance of contractor-funded production in Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector. Contracted farmers sold 283.3 million kg, while auction floors handled 15.8 million kg. The average price stood at US$3.36 per kg, slightly lower than the US$3.46/kg recorded last year.

Despite the record-breaking achievement, growers continue to face economic pressures. Many are receiving just 30% of their earnings in local currency, while grappling with steep input costs. Rejected tobacco rates at auction floors remain relatively high, with 12.26% of auctioned bales turned away.

Zimbabwe exported 234 million kg of tobacco in 2024 and is on track to significantly exceed that figure this year if current trends persist. The country’s tobacco industry remains one of the largest sources of foreign currency.

TIMB’s milestone comes amid ongoing efforts to transform the tobacco value chain, including diversifying export markets, promoting local beneficiation, and enhancing the viability of smallholder production.