Theseus Shambare
TOBACCO production is expected to reach about 400 million kilogrammes this season, buoyed by increased hectarage and favourable conditions across the country.
Despite the increased production locally and declining prices on some global markets, experts and authorities say Zimbabwe’s premium tobacco will continue to command competitive prices owing to its quality.
The golden leaf remains one of Zimbabwe’s leading foreign currency earners after gold, thereby sustaining rural livelihoods and anchoring export revenues.
While some observers have raised concerns over falling global tobacco prices, authorities say the country’s high-grade flue-cured tobacco remains in strong demand on the international market.
Under the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan II, Government is targeting to grow the tobacco industry into a US$7 billion sector by 2030, with increased focus on value addition and diversification of tobacco products.
The tobacco selling season is set to open on Wednesday.
In an interview, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos said early assessments indicate that both the quantity and quality of this year’s crop are promising.
“We have had a very exciting season. We saw a 15 percent increase in hectarage planted, totalling roughly 164 500 hectares across the country,” he said.
“I believe we will have a 400 million kilogramme crop this season, if not more. Last year we touched around 353 million kilogrammes, so we are moving in the right direction.”
Zimbabwe has set a long-term target of producing 500 million kilogrammes annually, consolidating its position among the world’s leading producers of flue-cured tobacco.
Addressing concerns over global tobacco prices, Deputy Minister Haritatos said Zimbabwe’s premium leaf remains competitive on the international market.
“Tobacco is an international commodity. Global prices are dropping but the beauty of our tobacco is its top quality,” he said.
“So in my opinion, the demand for our high-quality tobacco has not been affected. The affected pricing is for lower-quality tobacco, which our farmers don’t grow in Zimbabwe.”
He said the country’s tobacco will continue to fetch good prices.
“I believe prices will remain firm at a sustainable level. I am not worried at all. Our tobacco is highly sought after,” he said.
The deputy minister said Government is also exploring other uses of tobacco beyond traditional cigarette manufacturing, including emerging products such as e-cigarettes and low-nicotine tobacco varieties.
“e-cigarettes and low-nicotine tobacco are the future and Zimbabwe is embracing that,” he said.
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board chairman, Mr Patrick Devenish also projected strong deliveries this season.
“We are projecting about 400 million kilogrammes, although the final figures will depend on the weather patterns between now and the peak marketing period,” he said.
Mr Devenish said TIMB has strengthened digital monitoring systems linked to auction floors and introduced biometric identification for farmers to curb side marketing and improve traceability.
Auction floor operators have said they are ready to handle the anticipated increase in deliveries, with new digital payment systems expected to enable farmers to receive payment within 30 minutes after concluding sales.
Authorities say the combination of strong prospects of a good harvest, efficient marketing systems and sustained global demand for Zimbabwe’s premium leaf positions the tobacco sector to continue playing a critical role in supporting rural incomes and national export earnings.
The post Tobacco production set to top 400 million kg appeared first on herald.
The post Tobacco production set to top 400 million kg appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.