Published: 7 hours ago

The deadline for tobacco farmers to renew their growers' numbers has passed, with the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) confirming that 82 965 growers have successfully registered for the 2025/26 season.

Registration of growers is a statutory requirement under the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Act (Chapter 18:20), and all farmers - both new and returning - must register with TIMB before commencing production.

According to the board, farmers who missed the October 31 deadline will now incur penalty fees depending on when they complete the process.

TIMB said the registration fee remains US$10 for growers who registered before the deadline. Those registering between November 1 and December 31 will pay a US$10 penalty, bringing the total to US$20.

Growers registering between January 1 and the day before the marketing season begins will pay a US$40 penalty on top of the US$10 fee, while registrations made from the opening day of the sales floors will attract a US$90 penalty, making the total US$100.

In a statement, TIMB said registration was vital to the proper functioning of the tobacco industry.

"Registration is crucial in promoting an organised, transparent and well-coordinated industry," said the board. "This exercise not only satisfies legal obligations but also provides essential data used for national planning and forecasting. Through registration, TIMB can estimate total crop size, determine the number of growers, and plan for flawless marketing activities."

To qualify for registration, farmers are required to submit:

Proof of land access (title deeds, offer letter, or lease agreement);

A stamped recommendation letter from their local AGRITEX officer confirming they are bona fide growers;

A copy of their national identification card; and

The prescribed registration fee.

TIMB said effective registration enables the regulator to plan auction operations, monitor production trends and mobilise resources for crop purchases.

Reliable data also helps maintain price stability by aligning production volumes with market demand, thereby preventing oversupply and protecting growers from depressed prices.

Zimbabwe remains the largest flue-cured tobacco producer in Africa and ranks fifth globally, with the crop serving as a key driver of export earnings.

During the just-ended season, tobacco production reached 355 million kilograms, worth US$1.2 billion.

The board attributed the continued growth in output to high prices, improved market organisation, and access to funding through contract farming arrangements.

Tobacco continues to hold a strategic position in Zimbabwe's economy, contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign currency earnings.

Over three million Zimbabweans are directly or indirectly dependent on the tobacco industry for their livelihoods.

The land reform programme, launched in 2000, has also broadened participation in the once elite sector, empowering thousands of indigenous farmers who now play a major role in sustaining the country's tobacco output.
- The Herald

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