Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe is expecting tobacco deliveries for the 2022 marketing season to surpass that of the just ended season, following a 32 percent increase of the area planted this farming season.

A contact at the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) revealed that as at November 2021, a total of 20 911 hectares had been planted compared to 15 854 hectares that were planted during the same period last year.

This is despite a decrease in registration of new tobacco farmers from 1624 last season to 298 this season.

Latest statistics from the TIMB indicate that Mashonaland West province planted 8426 hectares, a slight decrease from last season`s 8465 for both irrigated and dry land. Mashonaland Central planted 2277 compared to last season`s 2036, while Mashonaland East planted 5251compared to last season`s 4332. Manicaland planted 4937 this season and 1021 hectares last season.

According to the contact, farmers have raised concerns over contractors who are failing to provide full input packages yet claiming tobacco from the same farmers after harvesting. On that note the contact revealed that TIMB now requires contractors to submit proof of support to farmers by availing invoices and import documents of inputs supplied.

A contractor, according to the TIMB, is expected to support small and big farmers to the tune of US$1000 and US$4000 per hectare respectively. The contact further revealed that the TIMB will de-contract farmers from contractors that fail to meet thresholds and allow other contractors to put them on board or declare it free tobacco.

Tobacco contract growing in Zimbabwe now consist of about 95 percent of total production hence contractors should be closely monitored to protect farmers.

Statistics recorded by the TIMB on 20 September 2021 reveals that a total of 210. 492. 646. 00 kilograms were marketed at an average price of US$2.80 in the just ended marketing season and the output is expected to improve this coming season due to the increase in area planted.