Matabeleland Farmers Target Two Million Kilogrammes of Tobacco

Tobacco farmers in Matabeleland have set an ambitious production target of two million kilogrammes for the 2026/27 summer cropping season. This expansion is driven by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board’s (TIMB) natural cured tobacco programme, which has attracted hundreds of small-scale farmers to the sector. The shift toward tobacco production in the region represents a strategic attempt to diversify agricultural income streams beyond traditional crops. However, farmers face significant hurdles, including the need for specialized infrastructure and access to reliable water sources. The government is promoting this growth to boost export earnings and revitalize the regional economy. The core vulnerability is the susceptibility of these small-scale farmers to global price fluctuations and the lack of established local processing facilities.