Farmers Gear Up for Promising Tobacco season

Philemon Jambaya

Tobacco farmers are buzzing with anticipation as the 2024 marketing season kicks off next month. With high-quality crops nurtured despite challenging weather conditions, they’re optimistic about fetching premium prices at the auction floors.

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board announced the official opening dates for both auction and contract floors, sparking excitement among farmers such as Faith Vakai. Despite facing unpredictable rainfall patterns, she confidently expects top dollar for her harvest. “I have faith,” she declares, “even with the erratic rains, we’ll get the best price.”

Vakai’s optimism reflects a wider sentiment shared by many in the Igava area. Last year’s success, coupled with the evident quality of this year’s crop, fuels their hopes for a fruitful season. “Judging by what I delivered last year,” Vakai adds, “this year has to be the best.”

The positive atmosphere extends beyond farmers. This season saw a local tobacco contractor, Innocent Mahufe, going the extra mile to acknowledge the community's role. He presented motorbikes to traditional leader Chief Svosve, whose area played a pivotal role in the land reform program, and to war veterans who championed the movement.

Chief Svosve expressed his appreciation, contrasting this gesture with past experiences. “We applaud our local company for honoring their traditional leaders,” he said, “something the whites never did.”

Mahufe’s actions resonate with the historical significance of the region. “We are products of the land reform,” he acknowledges, "so we appreciate what they did for us, and we are enjoying."

Last year, Zimbabwe achieved an impressive 296 million kilogrammes of tobacco, just shy of the ambitious 300 million target. With dedicated farmers, supportive communities, and promising crops, Marondera looks poised to contribute significantly to another successful season