Farmers have planted more than 22,000 hectares of tobacco, representing an increase of 28 percent compared to the same period last year, as the 2026/27 season advances.

According to the latest Agricultural Development Advisory Services (ADAS) weekly update, farmers had planted 22,918 hectares by October 30, compared to 17,867 hectares during the corresponding period last year.Irrigation is anchoring the early surge. A total of 19,998 hectares have been put under irrigation, while 2,920 hectares are under dryland crop.

Irrigated tobacco accounts for approximately 87 percent of the national planted area.Mashonaland East is leading other provinces with 7,949 hectares, comprising 7,271 hectares under irrigation and 678 hectares under dryland production.Manicaland follows with 7,148 hectares, while Mashonaland Central has recorded 4,274 hectares.

Farmers in Mashonaland West have so far planted 3,530 hectares, and Matabeleland North has recorded 17 hectares of irrigated tobacco.Meanwhile, irrigated growers are presently tending to their crop, while the major activities are watering and hardening seedbeds for the dryland crop.

Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association (ZTGA) president George Seremwe said dryland farmers are preparing for the rains.”Farmers are also preparing ridges, mobilising inputs and maintaining their seedbeds as part of efforts to ensure a successful start to the season. The challenge is the dry spell.

Water bodies are also a bit of a challenge, and the weather is sometimes too hot and destroying the crop in some areas,” said Mr Seremwe.The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is urging farmers to invest in irrigation and to plant manageable hectares in line with available resources.

“Irrigation reduces dependence on unpredictable rainfall, promotes uniform crop growth, improves leaf quality and helps growers achieve higher weight per hectare,” said TIMB.Tobacco Farmers Union Trust president Edward Dune said high capital and input costs continue to affect smallholder farmers.”Despite the El Niño phenomenon, tobacco farmers remain hopeful that the crop will still rebound from the price collapse seen last season.

We just keep our fingers crossed that good quality leaf will be delivered this season,” Mr Dune said.He urged farmers to observe recommended agronomic practices and adhere to TIMB’s minimum compliance standards framework.Tobacco remains one of the major agricultural export commodities, contributing to foreign currency generation, employment and livelihoods across the agricultural value chain.