Zim forecast to harvest 265 million kg of tobacco

Despite unfavourable weather conditions during the early start of the 2023/24 agricultural season, Zimbabwe is expected to produce about 265 million kilogrammes of tobacco, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has said.

The 2024 tobacco marketing season opens on March 13. A second pre-season crop assessment estimates a yield of 265 million kilogrammes, which some analysts consider “respectable” considering the prolonged dry conditions brought on by El Niño.

Last year, Zimbabwe produced a record crop of nearly 297 million kg largely due to good weather conditions as well as improved agronomy support by the contractors.

“El Niño posed early-season challenges,” TIMB acting chief executive Mr Emmanuel Matsvarire said.

“Dry conditions destroyed some seedbeds, and farmers planted variably. Despite these hurdles, we expect a 265 million kg yield from nearly 137 000 planted hectares.”

Economic analyst Mr Carlos Tadya said the 265 million kg would be an impressive achievement considering the challenges posed by El Niño phenomena.

He said the expected harvest shows the resilience of Zimbabwe’s farmers and the potential of the industry. Mr Tadya said while lower than last year’s record, the expected yield should still provide significant economic benefits for farmers and the country.

“I think the expected yield falls within an accepted range given the impact of El Niño,” he said.

Tobacco remains the country’s second-largest foreign currency earner after gold, primarily cultivated by small-scale farmers who were allocated land under the land reform programme.

Previously seen as technically challenging to small-scale growers, tobacco production has also been embraced by many communal farmers, significantly boosting their presence in the sector.

Last year, Zimbabwe exported 236 million kg of tobacco, generating US$1,2 billion.

This year, Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports are off to a remarkable start, with 40 million kilograms shipped as of February 2, 2024 generating about US$284,1 million at an average price of US$7,09 per kilogramme, according to the latest TIMB bulletin.

This represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year, when shipments reached 17,5 million kg, valued at US$90,7 million, at an average price of US$5,17 per kg.

The exports are primarily destined for markets in the Far East, Africa, the Middle East, and the European Union. During the period to February 2, China was a significant buyer of Zimbabwe’s tobacco, importing 25,4 million kg valued at US$229,3 million.

Under the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, approved by the Cabinet in 2021, the Government is targeting to increase the output to 300 million kg by 2025.

The plan also seeks to raise localisation of tobacco funding to 70 percent, increase the level of value addition and boost cigarette production to 30 percent from 2 percent.

Last season, the number of tobacco farmers also saw a significant rise, reaching 148 527 compared to 123 000 in 2022. This increase is attributed to factors like improved support for small-scale farmers, higher tobacco prices and favorable weather conditions.

-herald