THE tobacco marketing season will open early this year to enable timely marketing and improved value realisation for farmers, a senior Government official has said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, revealed this during a tour of Karimba Farm in Wedza.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco marketing season normally begins in March.
Prof Jiri applauded Mashonaland East Province for recording strong growth in tobacco production this season, which he said was largely driven by Government-backed joint venture arrangements that were improving productivity and land utilisation.
He said marketing arrangements were being finalised to ensure a smooth 2026 selling season.
“We are assuring farmers that tobacco marketing floors will open early so that they can sell their crop on time and realise value.
“Joint ventures are proving to be a game changer in improving productivity, land utilisation and returns for farmers,” he said.
Mashonaland East planted more than 8 000 hectares of irrigated tobacco, with the province occupying the second position nationally.
Prof Jiri said the province’s strong growth in tobacco production indicated disciplined agronomic practices, improved access to inputs and timely support to farmers.
Beyond tobacco, the province is also recording encouraging performances in maize and traditional grains, supported by continued rainfall.
Farmers have been urged to take advantage of the prevailing moisture conditions while managing fertiliser application carefully to minimise nutrient leaching.
Prof Jiri called on financial institutions to support qualifying farmers, including those without land, to participate in joint venture arrangements.
“Inclusive financing is critical to boosting productivity, strengthening food security and accelerating agricultural transformation,” he said.
As preparations for the 2025–26 summer season continue, the Ministry expressed optimism that favourable weather patterns and expanded joint ventures would see Mashonaland East make a strong contribution to national agricultural output and economic growth.-herald
