THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has set a target of 300 million kilogrammes in the 2024/25 farming season on the back of normal to above normal rainfall projections.
TIMB acting chief executive officer Emmanuel Matsvaire said they were confident of a rebound in the production of the golden leaf after the El Nino-induced drought in the 2023\24 season resulted in a drop in output to 231 million kg from 297 million kg in the previous season.
“We have high hopes of attaining the set target following the pleasant weather forecast. The country is on course to accomplish a US$60 billion tobacco industry by 2028,” Matsvaire said.
“Government’s support has seen a remarkable increase in the number of tobacco growers, backed by rising production records and foreign currency earnings,” the TIMB boss said.
“The area planted has risen by 53% to 116 454 last year from 76 017 in 2001.”
Matsvaire said the country earned US$1,3 billion from tobacco exports last year, a 30% surge from US$1 billion in 2022
Meanwhile, the Food Crop Contractors Association of Zimbabwe (FCCA) has also set a target to produce 130 000 tonnes of wheat this year.
Last year, wheat farmers produced 468 000 tonnes of wheat from 90,186 hectares in 2022.
“Private sector contractors are hoping for between 120 000 and 130 000 tonnes of wheat in 2024. Private sector contractors delivered 129 000 tonnes of wheat in 2023,” FCCA chairperson Graeme Murdoch said.
According to preliminary data obtained from the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, the country has put 60 000 hectares of land under the crop.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Shadreck Makombe urged farmers to maintain good agronomic practices to boost yields.
“It is important to establish fire guards and seeking guidance from extension workers is crucial. Farmers should also stay vigilant for quelea birds," he said.