TOBACCO players have been impressed with the latest growth in golden leaf production this season.
According to latest figures, farmers have planted a total of 162 625 hectares this season, amid increased potential yields.
A senior agronomist with a leading merchant company revealed that the golden leaf has moved a step further besides overwhelming rains across the country.
“We have just finished a comprehensive round of assessments for Mashonaland West and parts of Mashonaland Central covering the same areas we worked on over the past three seasons.
“We can confidently say that this year’s crop is the most impressive we have seen in this region at the pre-harvest stage,” our source said on condition they are not named.
“Taking into account the considerable increase in national tobacco hectarage, higher seed sales and the favourable weather conditions so far, we have no doubt that the total crop will surpass the 400 million kg mark.”
Keep Reading
- Mlalazi chronicles his rags-to-riches story
- Mlalazi returns to roots with a free concert
- MP ropes in church in anti-drug fight
- TSL profits slow as costs escalate
They were, however, cautious considering they heavy rains being expressed in the country.
“Even when factoring in losses from heavy rains and subsequent leaching, these setbacks are unlikely to make a significant dent in the projected yield above 400 million kg,” the source added.
“We are heading for a surplus year and an oversupply of tobacco serves no one’s interests. It’s common knowledge that when supply outpaces demand, prices inevitably drop.
“By the third quarter of the season, after most contractors have recovered their investments from contract farming, many bales will attract no buyers and get rejected as the market becomes saturated.
“There will be tears at the auction floors. Remember, many companies are still sitting on stocks from last season.”
Tyson Ngongoni, the general manager for new player Ethical Sales Floor, said they were impressed by the growth.
“The tobacco growth will boost our entrance into the market,” he said.
“We are likely to match it with our moves in the competitive market, where have positioned ourselves as a floor of choice for farmers.
“Our payment plan is going to be part of best service delivery in the sector.”
Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association president George Seremwe applauded the farmers’ resilience approach in boosting the agricultural revolution in the country.
He said the expanded 2026 tobacco hectarage is a positive signal for growers.
“In addition, we will target improved yields, more inclusion of small-scale growers across the value chain, lower input costs, in particular, and better conditions for growers in terms of contracts.”
As of January 9, 2026, Mashonaland West was leading with 51 117 hectares with an increase of 43% from last season, followed by Mashonaland Central that had 49 256 hectares planted, with Mashonaland East seeing 31 417 hectares planted, a 40% increase.
Manicaland had 30 133 hectares (17% increase), while Midlands stood at 544 hectares (9% increase), with Masvingo standing at 118 hectares.
In Matebeland North, it’s a meagre 40 hectares, representing a 32% increase.
Zimbabwe’s impressive tobacco output is likely to boost its export sales, particularly China, one of the major consumers of tobacco.