Staff Reporter
The 2024-2025 tobacco planting season in Zimbabwe is off to a promising start, with over 5,000 hectares of irrigated tobacco already planted since the season began on September 1st, 2024.
The predicted La Niña weather pattern, expected to bring above-average rainfall, has further bolstered optimism among tobacco farmers for a successful season.
In an interview with this publication this Tuesday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri confirmed the progress made so far and highlighted the substantial investment in tobacco farming, mentioning that total tobacco seed sales have exceeded 1,000 kilograms, equivalent to more than 200,000 hectares.
"Over 5,000 hectares of irrigated tobacco have been planted since September 1st. We have been in discussions with these farmers who have already started irrigating and are also ring-fenced. The Zimbabwe Tobacco Transformation Committee (TTTC) is committed to supporting farmers and ensuring sustainable growth in the industry.
"We anticipate a better outcome this season compared to last year," explained Professor Jiri.
Leaders of key agricultural organizations, such as the Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association and the Tobacco Farmers Union Trust, have expressed positive outlooks for the current season.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association president, George Seremwe shared his excitement.
"As tobacco farmers, we are now busy and happy at the same time following the commencement of the planting season. We anticipate that this year will be better in terms of hectarage. However, our appeal to the Government is to ring-fence the sector, especially at this time of planting, which is critical for the crop,” he said.
President of the Tobacco Farmers Union Trust, Victor Maravanyika echoed these sentiments.
"We are happy that the season has started. We are coming from a season that was not good, but we are hopeful because the Meteorological Service Department has predicted La Niña.
"Our farmers are now busy planting the irrigated crop, and we anticipate that this year we will increase our hectarage compared to last season. Given that this year’s tobacco prices were good, it is enough to attract more farmers to the sector,” said Maravanyika.
The tobacco sector remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy, having generated significant revenue of over US$700 million from 200 million kilograms sold last season.
To further boost this vital industry, Government is rolling out various interventions, such as supporting farmers and introducing regulations aimed at tapping into the estimated US$60 billion tobacco value chain.
With favorable weather predictions, increased planting activity, and Government support, Zimbabwe’s tobacco farmers are looking forward to a productive season that could surpass the achievements of previous years.
