daglous masveta
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
One of the country’s major foreign currency earner, the tobacco industry, is gearing up for a promising season after farmers increased the area under the golden leaf to 84 661 hectares, surpassing last year’s 82 392 hectares.
Known for its high-quality leaf production, tobacco remains one of Zimbabwe’s most significant non-food crops, earning the country between US$800 million and US$1 billion annually.
With a focus on improving productivity, farmers are optimistic about achieving their annual target of 300 million kilograms this season.
The latest statistics from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development reveal a dynamic shift across various regions.
Mashonaland Central has taken the lead with 30 459 hectares, an increase from 26 862 hectares last season.
In contrast, Mashonaland West has planted 21 837 hectares, a decline from 25 773 hectares last year.
Mashonaland East recorded a modest increase to 15 937 hectares from 15 802 hectares, while Manicaland has also increased its area under the crop to 16 358 hectares, up from 13 899 hectares.
Masvingo remains stable at 17 hectares, and the Midlands has grown to 53 hectares, up from 39 hectares.
Of the 84 661 hectares under tobacco, 18 595 hectares are under irrigation and the remaining 66 068 hectares is dependent on the rains.
Harvesting of early-planted tobacco has commenced, and farmers are optimistic about the overall condition of their crops.
However, challenges remain. Tobacco Farmers Union Trust president Mr Edward Dune cautioned that this year’s leaf is compromised in terms of weight due to recent challenges.
“Harvesting is going on well. We expect the marketing season to commence early,” he said. “We faced issues where farmers had to replant seedlings lost to a heatwave that affected the whole country. If we continue receiving rains, we remain positive about meeting our annual target.”
