Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s tobacco farmers have collectively earned over US$66 million since the start of the 2025 marketing season earlier this month, with industry players optimistic about reaching the country’s US$5 billion target by 2030.

An assessment of the market three weeks into the selling season shows that farmers are producing higher-quality tobacco, which has contributed to stable and competitive pricing at the auction floors.

Many farmers have expressed satisfaction with the pricing models, especially given that the first batches of deliveries mainly consist of primings the lower leaves of the tobacco plant, which typically fetch lower prices.

“We have mobilized our resources as three sisters, and this is our first time selling tobacco, but we are very happy with the prices,” said one farmer.

Another grower, Shorai Tavengwa, who secured one of the highest auction prices to date shared her experience.

“Getting US$4.70 per kilogram for primings is very encouraging. Our lowest price was US$2.50, which is still reasonable. We are confident that as we bring in higher-grade tobacco, we will fetch even better prices,” he said.

Tobacco marketing analyst, Dickson Kubvakacha commended industry players for maintaining stability in the sector and ensuring smooth market operations.

“We have seen significant progress in the tobacco industry. The marketing floors are stable, unlike in previous years when disorder was common at the start of the season. Farmers are now producing top-grade tobacco, with prices approaching US$5 per kilogram. This positive trend will help Zimbabwe achieve its goal of a US$5 billion industry by 2030,” he said.

Although deliveries have been slightly lower than expected due to rainfall delays that forced many farmers to plant late, the market remains strong.

So far, the average price per kilogram stands at US$3.53, slightly higher than US$3.47 recorded during the same period last year.

With tobacco being Zimbabwe’s top foreign currency earner after gold, the continued improvement in quality and pricing is a promising sign for the sector.

As more farmers deliver their premium-quality crops in the coming weeks, earnings are expected to increase further, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s position as one of the leading tobacco producers in the world.