The tobacco industry in Zimbabwe is anticipating a strong season as farmers have increased their tobacco cultivation to 84,661 hectares, up from 82,392 hectares last year, according to the state media.
Zimbabwe's tobacco industry is a major source of foreign currency earnings, generating between $800 million and $1 billion annually. This season, the industry aims to produce 300 million kilograms of tobacco, with Mashonaland Central leading in planted area at 30,459 hectares.
Edward Dune, the president of the Tobacco Farmers Union Trust, cautioned that this year's tobacco leaves may be lighter due to recent issues, including heatwave-related replanting. Despite this, harvesting is progressing well, and an early marketing season is expected. To meet the annual targets, continued rainfall is crucial.