The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has released latest statistics showing a 10% increase in registered growers around the country compared to last year.
These include contract farmers and self-sponsored ones.
“The total number of registered growers as at 31 January 2025 is 127 112 compared to 115 053 during last year. This marks a 10% increase in growers,” the TIMB statement read.
According to provincial breakdowns, Mashonaland Central tops the table accounting for 46 026 growers pegged at 36,2%, while Mashonaland West accounts for 43 849 farmers (34,5%).
Manicaland province had 20 295 farmers translating to 16% while Mashonaland East province accounted for 16 557 (10%), Midlands had 173 (0,14%) with Matabeleland at 128 (0,10%) and Masvingo had only 84 farmers accounting for 0,07%.
The major tobacco growing regions of Mashonaland Central (36,2%), Mashonaland West (34,5%), and Manicaland (16%) account for over 86% of the growers.
Mashonaland East adds another 13%, bringing the total to nearly 99% concentrated in four provinces.
Midlands, Matabeleland and Masvingo provinces are among minor growers that contribute less than 1% combined.
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Tobacco Growers Association president George Seremwe predicted further growth this year.
“We hope to get more kilogrammes this year from the farmers. It is unfortunate that some farmers had been affected by the dry spell and failed to replant. Generally, the crop was well established and it’s a good year for tobacco farmers with better yields,” said Seremwe in written responses.
He, however, appealed to both tobacco merchants and buyers to increase prices so that farmers are paid reasonably.
“We appeal for an increase of the tobacco buying scale so that it boosts farmer’s commitment to the production of golden leaf. Our costs of production has been fairly high so we are appealing to buyers and merchants to increase buying scale. Good quality products must be paid for well,” Seremwe said.
A tobacco merchant said the land reform exercise had boosted production of the golden leaf.
“We are grateful that TIMB policies are helping local farmers who were resettled under land reform. Tobacco production is a testimony that more farmers are working on its production than cotton where farmers are pulling out. This is a positive development for everyone as a tobacco boost will increase the country forex,” said a merchant, speaking on condition that he is not named.
Another merchant said there was a need to encourage registration and remove barriers to entry.
“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 sector exports surpassed one billion dollars last year making it one of the biggest foreign currency earners in the country.
