…as favourable rains boost expectations for a bountiful harvest

Staff Reporter

Tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe are expressing joy over recent relief brought by favourable rains, anticipating a promising harvest following the weakening of the El Nino phenomenon.

Initially feared to cause severe drought in southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, the improved weather conditions have provided optimism for agricultural success.

Courage Zimbudzi, a tobacco farmer from Centenary, expressed satisfaction with the prevailing weather patterns, foreseeing the possibility of slightly exceeding last year's hectarage.

Zimbudzi emphasized the importance of good farming methods advocated by the Government which boost tobacco yields, averaging 3,5 tonnes per hectare.

"As farmers, we are happy with the current weather pattern and applaud the Second Republic's efforts to provide agricultural extension officers who are teaching us good farming methods that improve the quality of the crop,” said Zimbudzi.

Economic analyst, Batanai Matsika highlighted that smallholder farmers are growing massive amounts of tobacco, mainly on land they were allocated under the land reform programme.

He added that the tobacco sector was optimistic about achieving the target of 300 million kilograms of the crop in 2024 marketing season because of the favourable rainfall patterns currently prevailing in the country.

"The convergence of favourable rainfall patterns and the payment of tobacco farmers in foreign currency from the previous season has set the stage for a promising year in Zimbabwe's tobacco industry. The alignment of these positive factors provides a robust foundation for our tobacco farmers to aim for the ambitious target of 300 million kilograms in the upcoming 2024 season. This dual advantage not only ensures optimal crop growth but also bolsters the economic incentives for our farmers, setting the tone for a thriving tobacco sector and contributing significantly to the nation's economic growth,’’ remarked Matsika.

According to TradeMap, the 2022/2023 tobacco growing season saw Zimbabwe generate US$1.23 billion through tobacco exports, achieving a record production of 297 million kilograms of the golden leaf.

The positive trajectory of Zimbabwe's tobacco industry underscores the resilience and potential of the agricultural sector to contribute to the country's economic growth.