The new tobacco marketing season in Zimbabwe has sparked optimism among farmers, particularly smallholders like Tendai Chimhondoro, who anticipate higher profits due to improved crop quality. The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board reports an increase in planting area and expected production, highlighting the crop’s economic importance despite challenges faced by farmers. The sector is positioned for a promising marketing season thanks to favorable rainfall and the crop’s resilience.

With the commencement of the new tobacco marketing season, farmers in Zimbabwe express heightened optimism. Tendai Chimhondoro, a small-scale farmer from Shamva, monitors her crop at the Tobacco Sales Floor in Harare, anticipating improved auction prices due to the superior quality of her tobacco this year compared to last. The auction season, which began on March 5, will continue into the third quarter, presenting small-scale farmers with vital market access.

Chimhondoro highlights the significant financial benefits of tobacco farming, stating, “Since I started bringing my tobacco to the auction floor, my life has changed. I am now at another level, and my earnings have greatly improved.” Although most tobacco sales occur through contracts, the auction floors remain crucial for smallholders, affording them a competitive selling platform for their produce.

Tobacco, known as the “golden leaf” in Zimbabwe, plays a pivotal role in the local economy and serves as a primary source of income for many households. The crop is mainly exported to markets in China, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa, contributing significantly to foreign currency generation. This season, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board reports an expansion of the planting area to 125,000 hectares, up from 113,000 hectares, with production anticipated to increase from 240 million kg to 280 million kg this year.

Rangarirai Chisvo, another farmer from Shamva, cites the higher economic returns from tobacco compared to traditional food crops while also cultivating maize for household needs. He notes that many small-scale farmers face challenges due to limited access to funding and modern farming equipment, which can hinder yield potential.

Lloyd Titi, yet another small-scale tobacco grower, emphasizes the drought resistance of tobacco, especially amidst climate variability affecting rainfall patterns. He stated, “Maize is water thirsty, but tobacco is short seasoned, so it’s more dependable,” expressing confidence in a productive season ahead. George Seremwe, president of the Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association, shares this optimism, stating, “As we went into January and up to date, the rains are good, and reaping is ongoing. The marketing season is promising to be good.”

The commencement of the new tobacco marketing season in Zimbabwe has instilled optimism among farmers, particularly smallholders such as Tendai Chimhondoro, who foresee improved earnings due to high-quality crops. The increased planting area and favorable rainfall further suggest a rise in tobacco production, underscoring its vital role in the economy. Despite challenges faced by small-scale farmers, the sector appears poised for a robust marketing season, driven by the crop’s significant financial benefits and resilience to changing climate conditions.

Original Source: english.news.cn

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