Agriculture Reporter
Tobacco farmers will receive their payments within 48 hours of delivery this season, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has confirmed, addressing past concerns over delayed disbursements.
With the 2025 marketing season set to commence in two weeks, the TIMB has reassured growers that the payment process will be strictly enforced in line with Statutory Instrument (SI) 77 of 2022, which requiresthat all growers must be paid within two days of completion of sale transaction.
TIMB public affairs officer, Mrs Chelesani Tsarwe, reiterated the board’s commitment to ensuring that farmers receive their payments on time.
“TIMB is guided by SI 77 of 2022, which stipulates that all tobacco growers are entitled to be paid within 48 hours of completing sales. If, for any reason,payments are delayed beyond this timeframe, the affected growers are urged to report the matter to TIMB for assistance,” she said.
The statutory instrument further states that any contractor failing to meet the payment deadline will face penalties, including a fine of up to level five or a maximum prison term of six months, or both.
In previous years, some farmers have faced delays in receiving their payments, disrupting their ability to reinvest in the next farming cycle.
However, this season’s enforcement of the regulations has been welcomed by growers, who see it as a vital step towards financial stability.
Jacob Mavhunga, a tobacco farmer from Karoi, hailed the development, saying, “TIMB’s assurance gives us confidence ahead of the season. Late payments have made it difficult to settle debts and prepare for the next farming cycle. If payments are processed on time, we can reinvest in our operations without unnecessary setbacks.”
Sarah Banda, a grower from Marondera, also commended the system, which ensures that payments are only made to verified farmers.
“We have seen cases where payments were delayed due to mismatched banking details. The emphasis on accuracy and compliance with regulations will definitely help us,” she said.
For Joseph Nyamukapa, a seasoned farmer from Bindura, these changes mark a new era of efficiency.
“We want a transparent system where our hard work is rewarded promptly. If this policy is implemented well, it will bring relief to many farmers who have struggled with delayed payments in the past," said Nyamukapa.
TIMB has also warned growers against side marketing, stating that past cases of delayed or non-payment were often linked to farmers who sold their crop to buyers they were not contracted to.
In addition, the board has introduced a new pricing system for contract tobacco sales, which will set the following day’s minimum price based on the average price of all tobacco sold—both at auction and through contracts—across all grades.
With these measures in place, tobacco farmers are optimistic that the 2025 marketing season will be smoother, with payments being made swiftly and fairly.
