Staff Reporter
The production of tobacco is set to increase from 296 million kilograms (kgs) to 300 million kgs by year 2025 enabled by the Tobacco Transformation Plan
During a post-cabinet media briefing today, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere informed that the Tobacco Transformation Plan seeks to increase tobacco production to 300 million kg by 2025 and transform the industry into a US$5 billion industry through exports of tobacco value-added products.
“The nation is informed that there has been an increase in volume as a result of post-harvest loss reduction and yield increase. During the 2022/23 season a record 296.1 million kgs of tobacco, worth US$896 million was produced. Of this production, A1 and A2 farmers contributed 153 320 472 kg and US$480 548 375 of total production, being 52% and 54% the value respectively, attesting to the success of the Land Reform Programme,” he said.
Minister Muswere also added that the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) introduced the compliance Administration Framework in 2022 and the Statutory Instrument 77 of 2022, all this to ensure, “ That farmers received a minimum input package from contractors and to criminalise side-marketing of crops respectively.”
Furthermore, Minister Muswere announced that TIMB is now offering GLOBAL GAP Consultancy services to enable tobacco farmers to access global export markets for horticultural crops
“Cabinet advises that to increase the production of alternative crops and increase their contribution to the farmers’ income to 25% by 2025 , TIMB is now offering GLOBAL GAP Consultancy services to enable tobacco farmers to access global export markets for horticultural crops,” the Minister added
Minister Muswere further advised that the 2022/23 tobacco season, managed to export 145 million kg at an average price of US$4.97/kg, compared 122 million kg at US$4.54/kg the previous year.
The Tobbacco Transformation Plan is aligned to the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) (2021-2025) which is in line with vision 2030. Furthermore, in clear support of Government policy, the tobacco sector seeks to increase tobacco production to 300 million kgs annually.
