Source: TIMB predicts increased production -Newsday Zimbabwe
THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) predicts increased production after the sector recorded a major leap in planted area this season, with hectarage rising by 42% compared to last year.
According to official data, farmers planted more than 162 000 hectares of tobacco this season, up from about 114 000 hectares in the previous planting cycle.
In an interview with the media on Tuesday, TIMB chairperson Patrick Devenish said the surge in planted area highlighted a strong appetite among farmers to increase production.
“This year’s growth shows that growers are responding positively to policy support and the stabilisation measures introduced in the sector,” he said.
“Farmers are willing to scale up because they see consistency, predictability and better returns.”
Tobacco continues to be one of Zimbabwe’s top foreign currency earners, supporting hundreds of thousands of households through primary farming activities, contract schemes and various downstream processes.
Sector players say this year’s planting momentum could strengthen Zimbabwe’s position on the global tobacco market.
The tobacco marketing season is expected to open later in the year.
At that point, growers will start delivering their crop to auction floors and contract buyers across the country.
“We anticipate a busy and promising marketing season,” Devenish added.
Industry stakeholders are optimistic about the season’s prospects, with outcomes dependent on weather patterns and farming practices.
“If favourable rains continue and agronomic standards are maintained, we are likely to see a significant jump in output,” an industry analyst commented.
“The expanded hectarage has set the stage for potentially higher export earnings.”
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