*Zim nears 300 million kg tobacco target. . . 280 million kg sold* https://thevoiceonlinenews.com/htdm ___________________________________ `June 15, 2025` ___________________________________ > *Follow The Voice Online News WhatsApp channel:* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaPRQqTHrDZdGRK5yH43 ___________________________________ > *Share The Voice Online News WhatsApp group link:* https://chat.whatsapp.com/DjU5F7Goh3M6M4XSkg81Gx ___________________________________ > *To advertise with The Voice Online News, talk to us here:* https://wa.me/message/PLR6ANGW2RX4I1 ___________________________________ TOBACCO farmers are on the cusp of a historic harvest, having delivered over 280 million kilogrammes (kg) of tobacco to various selling points as of last week, just shy of the ambitious 300 million kg target for the 2025 marketing season. This significant achievement represents a substantial increase in both farmer participation and total sales value compared to the previous year. According to the latest statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), on Day 66 of the 2025 tobacco marketing season, farmers had sold 280 889 452kg of the golden leaf. The sales have generated a total value of US$944 million. In an interview, TIMB spokesperson Mrs Chelesani Moyo-Tsarwe expressed satisfaction with the season’s performance. “Farmer participation this season has been encouraging,” she said. “Out of the 134 996 registered growers so far, 81 percent of them are active growers, who have delivered tobacco to various selling points.” This, she said, translates to 108 878 active growers to date, marking a 4,6 percent increase from the 104 104 active growers recorded during the 2024 season. “The amount of tobacco delivered represents a massive 93,63 percent towards our 300 million kg target of tobacco,” Mrs Moyo-Tsarwe said. The average price achieved so far this season is US$3,37 per kilogramme, a slight dip from last year’s US$3,47 per kg, but still providing fair returns. Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said: “record-breaking has become part of the ministry’s DNA”. He attributed this remarkable success to a convergence of factors. Also, he highlighted the significant impact of favourable climatic conditions, with “good rainfall distribution and suitable temperatures during the growing season” underpinning healthy crop development in key regions. Crucial support systems, he said, including contract farming companies providing vital inputs, expert advice and financial backing, were instrumental in empowering farmers to enhance both yields and leaf quality. The surge in cultivated land, particularly by smallholder farmers who are recognising tobacco’s profitability, has been a major contributor. “Improved agronomic practices, including advanced curing methods, which have translated into higher yields and better market prices, have been a key contributor,” Prof Jiri said. The stable market, he said, competitive pricing and TIMB’s efficient marketing operations have further streamlined processes and encouraged timely deliveries. “The robust performance seen so far is a testament to the hard work and resilience of our tobacco farmers, the dedication of the support services and the conducive policy environment created by the Government,” he said. “We remain committed to ensuring the sustainability and growth of the tobacco sector, which is a vital contributor to our national economy and a source of livelihood for many Zimbabweans. We are confident that by the end of the marketing season, we will celebrate a truly record-breaking year for Zimbabwean tobacco.” Mr Ashton Munaki, a smallholder farmer from Guruve, said: “This season has been exceptional for us smallholder farmers. The support we have received with inputs, coupled with favourable rains, has made a huge difference to our yields. “The quick payments and the generally efficient selling process at the floors have truly motivated us to deliver more. We are confident we have managed to meet our individual targets and contribute significantly to this national record.” – _*ZimPapers*_