Zimbabwe’s 2025 tobacco marketing season begins today, with the opening ceremony at the Tobacco Sales Floor in Harare, while contract sales, which handle 95 percent of the crop, will start tomorrow.
The industry has seen exponential growth, creating a middle class in rural areas, particularly among smallholder farmers who continue to produce high-quality tobacco. Appearing before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chairperson Patrick Devenish emphasized Zimbabwe’s global competitiveness in tobacco production, positioning it alongside major producers like Brazil and India. He attributed this success to strong leadership from the Ministry and the continued growth of the contract farming system, which has significantly improved smallholder farmers’ yields and product quality.
With 31 licensed buyers and 44 contractors, TIMB is confident about a buoyant selling season, anticipating a crop yield of 280 million kg, aided by favorable rainfall. Farmers will receive 70 percent of their proceeds in foreign currency, directly deposited into their forex accounts, while the remaining 30 percent will be converted into local currency at the prevailing auction exchange rate. Prices at auction floors will be determined through competitive bidding to ensure fair market rates for growers.
However, as the season begins, TIMB has issued a stern warning against side marketing, a practice that undermines the integrity of Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry. Farmers who receive financial and input support from contractors are expected to sell their crops to them as per contractual agreements, while self-financed growers must take their tobacco to the auction floors.
To combat illegal sales, TIMB has introduced a biometric grower management system, requiring farmers to use fingerprint authentication at every stage of production and marketing. This system will help identify self-financed growers attempting to sell at contract floors and contracted farmers trying to sell at unauthorized points. Illegal buyers, known as Makoronyera, have been a persistent challenge, purchasing tobacco directly from farms at unfair prices. Inspectors have been deployed to monitor compliance, and legal action will be taken against transporters found aiding illegal sales.
Premier Tobacco Auction Floors executive director Owen Murumbi expressed optimism for the season, emphasizing that farmers will receive timely payments with the introduction of efficient payment systems.
The presence of four banks on-site, including mobile money service InnBucks, is expected to enhance convenience for farmers. Additionally, promotional events will be held every Wednesday, allowing stakeholders to engage with farmers and reward outstanding growers.
