The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has issued an urgent advisory to all growers to secure crop insurance after a devastating hailstorm destroyed 130 hectares of tobacco in Mashonaland Central province last week.
The destruction, which occurred on November 28, 2025, hit three specific properties: Wilmont, Chidziva, and Dahwe farms. The incident serves as a stark warning of the "major risk" that unexpected weather events pose to production as the rainy season progresses
Following the losses, TIMB urged all tobacco farmers to take immediate action to protect their investments. “TIMB urges all tobacco growers to insure their crop with reliable insurers to protect their investment and ensure they receive support in the event of loss,” the regulatory body stated, emphasizing the need for financial cushioning against the debilitating effects of adverse weather.
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The reliance on rain-fed agriculture in many parts of the country makes the tobacco crop highly vulnerable to extreme weather shocks, including hailstorms and unseasonal dry spells.
In a separate announcement, TIMB also alerted new tobacco farmers that the deadline for obtaining a grower number for the current season is fast approaching. December 31, 2025, marks the final day for all new tobacco grower number applications. Prospective growers must apply in person at one of the TIMB Regional Offices located in Mutare, Rusape, Marondera, Chinhoyi, Karoi, Mvurwi, and Bindura.
While the Board noted that renewals can still be done in 2026, late applications will incur a penalty fee, urging existing farmers not to delay. The new grower number registration is a mandatory regulatory requirement for all farmers wishing to sell their tobacco during the upcoming marketing season.
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