Vongai Masuka

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has officially launched a nationwide “quality push” as the 2025-26 tobacco harvesting season kicks off, urging farmers to adhere to strict handling protocols to protect a projected record-breaking crop.

Following a historic performance last year, the government has raised the stakes, setting a production target of 360 million kilogrammes for the current season.

This follows the 2024-25 season where the industry shattered previous records, producing nearly 355 million kilogrammes and generating over US$1.17 billion in revenue, the first time earnings have crossed the billion-dollar threshold.

Despite the ambitious volume targets, TIMB Public Affairs Officer Chelesani Tsarwe warned that the season’s success hinges on the quality of the leaf rather than just the weight.

“We urge growers to harvest only mature leaves and follow recommended handling and curing practices,” Tsarwe said.

“Protecting tobacco from contamination and mechanical damage during harvesting and curing is vital for maintaining quality and value.”

Beyond the crop itself, the TIMB is emphasizing farmer safety. Tsarwe stressed the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during harvesting to prevent Green Tobacco Sickness, a form of nicotine poisoning caused by skin contact with wet tobacco leaves.

To ensure these standards are met, the board has deployed field officers who are tasked with providing on-the-ground technical support, guiding farmers from the curing process to the final grading on the selling floors across all tobacco-growing regions.

The push for quality comes as Zimbabwe cements its position as a global leader in high-quality flue-cured tobacco.

With more than 140,000 farmers now reliant on the golden leaf, the industry has become a primary pillar of the nation’s foreign currency earnings.