This week, Zimbabwe announced that it exceeded its tobacco planting target for the 2025/26 season, surpassing a record 140,000 hectares, prompting the government to urge farmers to halt further planting and focus on crop management to maximize yields and leaf quality. Agriculture Permanent Secretary Prof. Obert Jiri said late-planted dryland tobacco should be curtailed, with emphasis now on pest and disease control, weed management, and split fertilizer application amid heavy rains. A national crop and livestock assessment later this month is expected to confirm strong early performance and yield prospects, with fertilizer supplies largely adequate despite short-term top-dressing delays.
Tag: Obert Jiri
-
Zimbabwe Nearing Record Tobacco Target
Zimbabwe is on the brink of a historic tobacco season, with over 280 million kilograms of tobacco sold to date, representing 94% of the national 300 million kg target for 2025. According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), the sales have generated $944 million.
TIMB spokesperson Chelesani Moyo-Tsarwe reported a strong season, highlighting the active participation of over 108,000 growers, a 4.6% increase from last year. With weeks remaining in the marketing season, Zimbabwe is poised to surpass its record.
“The numbers speak for themselves—our farmers have shown resilience and commitment,” she said.
Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, attributed the success to favorable weather, expanded smallholder participation, improved farming techniques, and strong institutional support, particularly through contract farming schemes.
The average price per kilogram stands at $3.37, slightly down from 2024’s $3.47, but still delivering strong returns for farmers.