Staff Reporter
The 2025 tobacco marketing season officially opened on Wednesday, marking a promising start as the first high-quality leaf fetched a record-breaking US$4.95 per kilogram, surpassing last year’s highest price of US$4.92. This milestone signals a strong year ahead for Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry, which remains a key driver of the country’s agricultural economy.
The auction floors were officially opened by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, who commended farmers for their commitment to producing high-quality tobacco.
He also highlighted the industry’s progress toward achieving the Government’s ambitious US$5 billion agricultural economy target by 2030.
“We are happy that you have produced a good crop and delivered quality tobacco this season. We had initially set a target of 300 million kilograms, but after reviewing current trends, we have adjusted this to 280 million kilograms. This is still a commendable achievement for both our local production and international markets,” said Dr. Masuka.
He also acknowledged the positive response from local players embracing the Government’s value addition and beneficiation policy, noting that local cigarette production has increased to 6%, an important step towards keeping more value within the country.
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) Chairperson, Patrick Devenish, emphasized that to promote transparency and fairness, the TIMB introduced a new biometric registration system, aimed at reducing side marketing and ensuring compliance among farmers and contractors.
“We have implemented this new system to curb side marketing and other unethical practices. Our goal is to promote transparency, fairness, and stability within the industry. Any farmer or contractor found breaching these regulations will be exposed,” said Devenish.
The opening day was met with jubilation as farmers received encouraging prices for their tobacco. Many expressed optimism that the trend will continue as the season progresses.
“We are happy that, for the first time, we have achieved such a good price at auction sales. Last year, the highest was US$4.92, and now we are at US$4.95. We are hopeful that as we bring in more high-quality tobacco, we will exceed US$5 per kilogram,” said Centenary farmer, Courage Zimbudzi.
Following the successful start of the auction system, contract sales will commence, on Thursday, catering to farmers who produced their tobacco under contract farming arrangements. This dual-system approach ensures that all growers have access to competitive market conditions while maintaining price stability in the industry.
With strong demand, improved regulatory measures, and continued Government support, the 2025 tobacco marketing season is set to be one of the most successful in recent years, further cementing Zimbabwe’s position as a leading global tobacco producer.
