The country’s target of reaching sales of 300 kgs of tobacco by 2025 could be realised a season early according to the latest number of seed sales, reports The Herald.

So far, according to numbers from the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB), seed sales for the 2023/24 tobacco season have reached 673 kg which would be enough to cover 112,104 hectares. At the same time last year, 647 kgs had been sold to cover 110,063 hectares indicating the 2024 season could prove to be a very successful one.
“This season we are expecting an increase in hectarage, thanks to the coming on board of new growers and players in the industry, as well as the decision by those who have already been in the industry to increase production,” TIMB public relations officer, Mrs Chelesani Tsarwe said.
According to Mrs Tsarwe, farmers have started seedbed preparations with those wanting an early crop having already sown and those aiming at a mid to late crop busy preparing their seedbeds. Growers under contract farming have already been supplied with seedbed packs, reports The Herald.
“We are currently exploring economically viable alternatives to tobacco through robust diversification programmes. We are glad that we can now ride on the fact that TIMB recently became a certified member of Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and we have registered trainers and farm assurers who will work with farmers to ensure compliance with global standards for export crops,” said Mrs Tsarwe with regard to Zimbabwe’s future in the tobacco industry.
She also mentioned implementing the sustainable tobacco programme (STP) and becoming environmental, social and governance compliant: “Sustainable agricultural practices will reduce the negative effects of tobacco production and our tobacco products will be better ranked on the global market.”