HARARE, Aug. 4 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwe has recorded its largest-ever tobacco crop, with sales surpassing 357 million kilogrammes by the end of July, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) said, but farmers say the record harvest has failed to translate into better returns because of low prices and rising production costs.
In an update released on Monday, TIMB said 357,120,078 kilogrammes of tobacco had been sold as of July 31, marking the second consecutive year that the country has posted a record-breaking harvest.
“As at 31 July 2026, 357,120,078 kilograms of tobacco had been sold, surpassing the 355 million kilograms produced in 2025,” the board said.
TIMB described the milestone as the highest tobacco volume ever marketed in Zimbabwe, highlighting continued expansion in a sector that remains the country’s largest agricultural export earner.
“This is the highest tobacco volume ever achieved in Zimbabwe’s history and marks the second consecutive year of a record-breaking bumper harvest,” the board said.
The record crop, however, has been overshadowed by widespread discontent among growers, who say prices offered by buyers have failed to keep pace with soaring production costs.
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Farmers have also complained about high rejection rates, delayed payments in some cases and escalating input costs, arguing that the bumper harvest has not translated into improved profitability
Auction floors officially closed on July 31, but TIMB said mop-up sales would be held on August 5 and 6, while contract floors remain open to receive deliveries from growers.
“While auction floors officially closed on 31 July, mop-up sales will be held on 5 and 6 August, and contract floors continue receiving tobacco,” the board said.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco output has risen steadily over the past decade, driven largely by contract farming, expanded extension services and increased participation by smallholder farmers following the land reform programme. Despite record production, industry analysts say improving farmer viability will depend on addressing pricing, financing and cost pressures that continue to erode growers’ margins.