Tag: TIMB

TIMB Raises Red Flag On ‘Bogus Association’

Image: yganko
Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has called out the Golden Leaf Advisory (GLA) as a suspected “bogus association” that is not mandated to represent farmers or the tobacco regulatory board, according to The Herald.
According to the TIMB chief executive, Emmanuel Matsvaire, “there is no relationship whatsoever” between his organization and the GLA. He urged farmers to avoid the entity.
“We have so many complaints from farmers who have been fleeced of their money by this organization purporting to represent tobacco growers,” said Matsvaire. “The organization has no mandate either from our Ministry (of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development) or from the TIMB to represent the farmers.
“It is a bogus institution that has been extorting money from farmers and other stakeholders.”
In April, the TIMB rejected a request from GLA to meet with farmer associations and contractors before loan disbursements. “We take note of your proposal and would like to inform you that it is regrettably rejected,” the TIMB informed the GLA. “GLA is not properly registered by either TIMB of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.”
September 6, 2023
TIMB Introduces Natural Air Curing Systems

Image: THAWISAK | Adobe Stock
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) in Zimbabwe has introduced a natural air curing system (NACS), reports New Zimbabwe.
The new NACS will help prevent farmers from losing leaf due to lack of space in curing facilities. NACS is a drying technique that forces ambient air through the leaf to attain acceptable moisture content.
“This significantly reduces farmers’ post-harvest yield losses and ultimately improves farmer viability, profitability and sustainability,” said the TIMB.
“The introduction of this natural Virginia tobacco product to the Zimbabwe tobacco industry is in line with the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which has the farmer at the core of the transformation and seeks to improve productivity and sustainability.”
“The introduction of new systems and practices will also aid in addressing side marketing. Farmers’ cost of production will be reduced, increasing profitability, thereby reducing farmer incentive to side market.”
“Atlas Agri (Private) Limited will be joining TIMB to spearhead this new initiative,” added the TIMB.
March 24, 2023
Zimbabwe Licenses Buyers for 2022 Season

Photo: Taco Tuinstra
Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has licensed 33 buyers and 31 contractors for the 2022 tobacco marketing season, reports The Herald.
TIMB statistics indicate that 122,769 growers have registered for the 2022 growing season compared with 145,625 last year.
According to Tobacco Association of Zimbabwe President George Seremwe, most farmers with an irrigated crop have finished reaping, and some have started grading their leaf.
“The dry land tobacco was planted a bit late, so most of the farmers are on their first reaping,” he added. “Most of the small-scale tobacco farmers grow dry land tobacco, which is still in the field.”
The Zimbabwe Tobacco Association expects good yield despite adverse weather during the growing season. “The crop has grown out well and clean in many areas and naturally in areas that received large amounts of rain,” said ZTA Chief Executive Rodney Ambrose.
Ambrose did, however, express concern over electricity supply. “Extensive load shedding coupled with faults has seen growers go days and weeks without power,” he said.
During the 2022 tobacco marketing season, growers will retain 75 percent of their earnings in hard currency, up from 60 percent last season.
February 17, 2022