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Category: Agriculture & Sustainability

  • Development Hopes to Keep Tobacco Money in Zimbabwe

    Development Hopes to Keep Tobacco Money in Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe is accelerating plans to move up the tobacco value chain under its new National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), aiming to lift value addition from about 2% to 30% and reduce reliance on raw leaf exports. While NDS1 missed its 300,000-ton production target due to drought, Zimbabwe produced a record 355 million kg of tobacco in 2025, valued at $1.2 billion, making it the world’s sixth-largest producer. According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, tobacco contributes more than 25% of national foreign-currency earnings, though 92% of export revenues still come from unprocessed leaf.

    NDS2 focuses on local processing through the Tobacco Special Economic Zone, including nicotine extraction plants and expanded cigarette and cut-rag manufacturing. A key milestone was the commissioning of a $102 million Cut Rag Processors facility capable of producing 3 million kg of cut rag per month and 60,000 cigarette master cases.

    Government officials say domestic value addition remains far below potential, with current earnings estimated at $1.5 billion versus a theoretical $60 billion if higher-value products were produced. The strategy prioritizes attracting investment, expanding local financing, and creating jobs through processing, packaging, and logistics as Zimbabwe shifts toward exporting finished tobacco products.

  • Zimbabwe Nears $1.1B From Tobacco Exports

    Zimbabwe Nears $1.1B From Tobacco Exports

    Zimbabwe earned $1.1 billion from 201.4 million kg of semi-processed tobacco exported between January and November, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board. This compares with $1 billion from 208.4 million kg during the same period last year.

    The Far East remained the top buyer, taking 89.1 million kg worth $630.7 million at an average $7.08/kg. Africa followed with 33 million kg valued at $154.6 million, while the Middle East bought 30 million kg for $88 million. The EU imported 27.2 million kg at $5.83/kg, and Europe purchased 12.8 million kg at $5.09/kg. The Americas bought 9.1 million kg, and Oceania, though a small buyer, paid the highest price at $8.45/kg.

    Tobacco remains Zimbabwe’s top agricultural export and key foreign currency earner, generating $1.3 billion in 2024 and contributing roughly 30% of total exports.

  • Pakistan Tobacco Demand Slashed, Farmers Taking Losses

    Pakistan Tobacco Demand Slashed, Farmers Taking Losses

    Tobacco purchasing companies in Pakistan have reduced their demand for the 2026 crop by 13.2 million kg, setting total requirements at 61.627 million kg. This marks the fourth consecutive year of cutbacks, with overall demand falling from 85.5 million kg in 2023 to 77.3 million kg in 2024, 74.8 million kg in 2025. The bulk of purchases will be made by multinational firms, led by Pakistan Tobacco Company and Philip Morris (Pakistan) Ltd, which together account for more than 36 million kg of flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco. The remaining FCV demand will be met by 78 national companies, including Khyber Tobacco. While demand for FCV, dark air-cured, and sun-cured tobacco has declined, requirements for White Patta and burley tobacco have increased slightly.

    Industry experts note that farmers are facing severe financial losses due to limited storage options and price discrepancies between the weighted average price (Rs 719 per kg) and the minimum indicative price (Rs 545 per kg [$1.96]). Companies profited by Rs 6.2 billion ($22.2 million) from surplus purchases at lower rates in 2025, while growers bore the losses. Despite reduced domestic demand, tobacco exports surged from 20 million kg in 2023-24 to 47 million kg in 2024-25, a 135% increase. However, Ayaz Khan, former director of the Pakistan Tobacco Board, said the benefits of rising exports have not reached farmers, who remain vulnerable to falling purchase prices and shrinking demand, leaving them at a disadvantage compared to multinational and national firms.

  • Philippines Defends Tobacco-Growers at COP11

    Philippines Defends Tobacco-Growers at COP11

    The Philippine delegation at COP11 earned praise from agricultural and civil society groups for emphasizing the country’s sovereign right to evaluate proposed global measures according to national priorities and capacities. Ambassador Carlos Sorreta, head of the delegation, highlighted the need for “socially and economically responsible” transitions that protect communities dependent on tobacco cultivation, noting that the crop continues to support livelihoods across nearly 20 provinces.

    Sorreta underscored that FCTC guidance is non-binding and should complement existing national efforts rather than impose restrictions. Local organizations, including the Northern Luzon Alliance, applauded this stance, warning that measures such as ending government support, imposing quotas, or phasing out tobacco sales would be “unrealistic, overly punitive and incompatible with the country’s agricultural and economic realities,” potentially threatening rural livelihoods and linked industries.

    The Federation of Free Farmers echoed these concerns, noting tobacco’s critical role in sustaining rural communities. It commended the delegation for prioritizing farmers’ welfare, arguing that the approach reflects a clear understanding of on-the-ground realities and protects not only the economic stability of tobacco-growing regions but also the dignity and future of the families who rely on this crop.

  • Brazil Attacking its Own Farmers, Critics Say

    Brazil Attacking its Own Farmers, Critics Say

    The International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA) criticized Brazil for sending an “anti-tobacco” delegation to COP11, pointing out the hypocrisy for the third-largest tobacco grower in the world. In contrast, it pointed to Poland, which reportedly defended its 30,000 growers who held protests in Warsaw ahead of the conference.

    “Farmers also highlighted the hypocrisy of reducing European production only to replace it with imports,” the ITGA wrote in its daily update. “In Geneva, Poland’s delegation reinforced these concerns with strong statements defending growers and calling for balanced policymaking.

    “In stark contrast, Brazil—where more than 133,000 farming families rely on tobacco—has sent one of the most aggressively anti-tobacco delegations, showing little regard for the livelihoods at stake in its own domestic sector.”

    Romeu Schneider, vice president of Afubra (the Tobacco Growers’ Association of Brazil), voiced his opposition to the Brazilian government’s tobacco policy. “Brazil should never have ratified the FCTC, as it compromises national sovereignty and threatens Brazil’s tobacco market, which is valued for its quality and volume and has promoted many social and environmental initiatives in rural communities,” he said. “Tobacco is economically and financially crucial for a developing country like Brazil, yet current policies risk ceding this market to other countries. These measures are deeply concerning and place Brazilian producers in a difficult position, prompting strong indignation from our side.”

  • Zimbabwe Tobacco Industry Targets $7B by 2030

    Zimbabwe Tobacco Industry Targets $7B by 2030

    Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector is positioned for major expansion, with government projections indicating the industry could reach $7 billion by 2030. The Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (2026–2030) outlines a sharp rise in the sector’s gross value contribution, which was $1.2 billion in 2025.

    The Tobacco Industry & Marketing Board reported that Zimbabwe produced 340 million kg of tobacco in 2025, but the Tobacco Transformation Plan hopes to see that number reach 500 million kg by 2030. Zimbabwe is also working to greatly increase the tobacco processed domestically, as opposed to exporting 90% of it raw as it currently does. The Plan also hopes to promote new specialty tobacco varieties, including cigar, shisha, naturally cured, and dark fire-cured types.

    As Africa’s largest tobacco producer, Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry supports over 130,000 households and contributes more than half of the country’s agricultural exports. More than 85% of the crop is grown by small-scale farmers, many of whom benefited from land reform.

    Despite its growth potential, the sector faces significant headwinds, including global anti-smoking measures, traceability and environmental regulations, child-labor concerns, and outdated legislation. Agriculture Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka said the new strategy reflects extensive consultation across government, industry, and farming stakeholders, and is structured around ten pillars focused on policy reform, climate resilience, rural industrialization, financing, infrastructure, and land management.

  • Philippines: Tobacco Farmers Warn of Livelihoods Threatened by WHO 

    Philippines: Tobacco Farmers Warn of Livelihoods Threatened by WHO 

    Filipino tobacco farmers are voicing strong concern ahead of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) COP11, warning that proposed measures under Agenda Item 4.1 could devastate rural livelihoods and the wider tobacco economy. The Philippine Tobacco Growers Association (PTGA), representing 50,000 farmers, said the recommendations — including ending government support for tobacco cultivation, restricting profits, and imposing manufacturing and import quotas — could “destroy farms and entire communities.” The sector supports more than 2.1 million workers, according to the National Tobacco Administration.

    PTGA President Saturnino Distor urged COP delegates to balance public health goals with economic realities, highlighting the role of the Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program (STEP) in promoting sustainable cultivation and linking local production to the demand for reduced-risk alternatives such as vapes and e-cigarettes.

    Farmers also cited challenges from illicit trade and declining local demand, with 80% of Philippine tobacco output now exported. Distor called on policymakers to reject prohibitionist measures and instead pursue “practical, harm-reduction-based solutions,” noting the successes seen in the UK, Japan, and Sweden through regulated smoke-free products.

  • Zimbabwe Boasts 22% Increase in Tobacco Plantings

    Zimbabwe Boasts 22% Increase in Tobacco Plantings

    Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) announced that 27,215 hectares of tobacco have been planted for the 2025-26 season, a 22% increase from last season’s 22,392 hectares that realized $1.2 billion in sales. The increase is especially good news after TIMB announced that only 66% of farmers had registered before the deadline two weeks ago.

    Mashonaland East led the growth with a 41% increase, followed by Manicaland (17%) and Mashonaland West (15.4%). Midlands and Masvingo also recorded significant gains, though on smaller scales. TIMB also announced that a record 23,517 hectares of the crop would be irrigated this year, another accomplishment considering last year small-scale farmers produced over 85% of the crop.

    Zimbabwe remains Africa’s largest tobacco producer and the sixth largest globally, supporting over 160,000 households and contributing more than half of the country’s agricultural exports.

  • Zimbabwe Sees Steep Decline in Registered Tobacco Farmers for Next Season

    Zimbabwe Sees Steep Decline in Registered Tobacco Farmers for Next Season

    Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) announced that 82,965 farmers registered to grow tobacco for the 2025/26 season, with the registration deadline closing October 31. Both new and returning growers are required to pay a $10 registration fee before starting production. Farmers who miss the deadline now face penalties — ranging from $10 to $90, depending on how late they register.

    According to The Herald, the TIMB announced more than 126,000 registered tobacco growers for the 2024/25 season.

    TIMB said registration is crucial for industry planning, forecasting, and maintaining market stability. The board uses the data to estimate crop size, monitor trends, and ensure smooth marketing operations. Zimbabwe remains Africa’s largest producer of flue-cured tobacco, with this year’s output reaching 355 million kilograms worth $1.2 billion.

  • Farmers, Economy in Jeopardy as Tobacco Remains Unsold in Malawi

    Farmers, Economy in Jeopardy as Tobacco Remains Unsold in Malawi

    More than 4 million kg of tobacco remain unsold at Mzuzu Floors in Malawi despite the Tobacco Commission (TC) extending the marketing season, a setback that farmers warn could push them into financial ruin. The unsold leaf, worth an estimated K17.2 billion ($9.8 million), represents both a personal crisis for farmers and a blow to Malawi’s economy, which depends on tobacco for over 50% of its foreign exchange earnings.

    Farmers say many took out loans expecting to repay them through sales, but with buyers pulling back and prices falling, they are now trapped in debt. “We can’t pay workers or send our children to school,” said Chitipa farmer Hazwell Chikakuda, whose buyers canceled contracts mid-season. “Buyers backed out, and I’ve been selling the remaining leaf at throwaway prices. We feel abandoned.”

    TC spokesperson Telephorous Chigwenembe confirmed large volumes of unsold leaf remain both on and off the market, citing an oversupply as the main challenge. Tama Farmers Trust CEO Nixon Lita added that demand has slowed as stocks pile up. While Malawi sold 218.9 million kg of tobacco this season, worth $539.4 million (up from $396 million last year) the glut now threatens foreign exchange inflows and economic stability.

    Economists warn that without intervention or diversification, the country risks deepening its dependence on the volatile crop. As one analyst put it, “Unsold tobacco means unpaid loans, empty pockets, and a weaker economy.”