ONE hundred twenty-two small-scale farmers in the Marula area under Mangwe district in Matabeleland South have ventured into naturally-cured Virginia tobacco, boosting the golden leaf production in the country.
The latest move is aimed at expanding the production of the crop beyond its traditional strongholds of Manicaland and Mashonaland provinces under the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) theme of a Bold Step Towards Decentralised, Sustainable Growth.
The farmers are currently growing 84 hectares of naturally-cured Virginia tobacco under a contract system with Atlas Agri, one of Zimbabwe’s leading contractors that established a local tobacco sales floor, which has been inspected and approved by the regulatory body to facilitate sales this season.
In an interview, TIMB acting chief executive Emmanuel Matsvaire said the regional presence would drastically reduce the distance farmers travel, lowering costs and increasing access to markets.
“This regional expansion is more than a geographical shift, it represents TIMB’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainability and national economic balance.
“It is also aligned with the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan and the devolution agenda under the National Development Strategy 1. This development is unlocking new economic potential in this non-traditional region, leaving no one and no place behind.
“We are witnessing history in the making. This expansion not only empowers rural communities with incomes and employment but also aligns with our goal of sustainability and innovation in the tobacco value chain.”
Unlike traditional flue-cured Virginia tobacco, the naturally-cured Virginia tobacco being grown in Marula requires no firewood or coal for curing. Farmers use sunshades and drying racks, which significantly reduce production costs and environmental impact, making the crop a sustainable option.
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The latest crop has environmental protection benefits with zero deforestation and carbon emission during curing.
“By removing the need for curing fuel, naturally-cured Virginia tobacco offers a cost-effective and climate-smart alternative. The tobacco produced shares the same chemical composition and smoking characteristics as flue-cured tobacco, offering buyers a viable, high-quality product,” Matsvaire said.
The initiative kicked off as a pilot project during the 2023/24 farming season, with just 17 growers on 10 hectares and they produced 9 000kg of tobacco during a difficult El Niño season.
Encouraged by early success and improved rainfall this year, Atlas Agri (Private) Limited is targeting expansion in the 2025/26 season.
While the initiative is a success, challenges remain, as the majority of the farmers still rely on hand pumps.
However, TIMB is exploring solar-powered borehole systems to improve seedbed irrigation. Rain and frost vulnerability require farmers to manually protect crops with plastic covering, slowing down curing.
“TIMB is partnering Agritex and Atlas Agri (Private) Limited to conduct field days and train extension officers and farmers in this area to raise awareness and build capacity for tobacco best practices,” Matsvaire said.
“More farmers are encouraged to join the venture and we are rallying support from all stakeholders to expand tobacco production in this region.
TIMB will continue to encourage contractors and stakeholders to explore and invest in new regions for tobacco production, in line with efforts to promote national economic balance and achieve sustainable growth in the industry.
“By tapping into underutilised land and human resources in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe is laying the groundwork for long-term growth, innovation and inclusive prosperity.”
Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association president George Seremwe said the sector was becoming a force to reckon with nationally.
“We appreciate TIMB's stance on decentralisation, cutting costs for farmers, but encouraging production. Our main worry is for improved buying power for the tobacco sector,” he said.
Seremwe warned farmers to practise good standards and storage to avoid losses.
