Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East have once again anchored Zimbabwe’s tobacco production this season, recording strong output expansions of 25 percent and 35 percent respectively, as the country positions itself for another high-yield harvest, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board.
“Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East continue to anchor Zimbabwe’s tobacco production, recording strong expansions of 25% and 35% respectively, further reinforcing their status as key production hubs,” TIMB said.
The board said production gains were also evident outside the traditional tobacco heartland, with Manicaland registering notable growth.
“Meanwhile, Manicaland posted a steady and encouraging growth of 18%, reflecting increased participation and improved productivity across the province,” TIMB said.
The strong provincial performance builds on recent record harvests.
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During the 2025 marketing season, Zimbabwe produced more than 350 million kilogrammes of tobacco, the highest output ever recorded, surpassing the previous peak of about 296 million kilogrammes achieved in 2023.
The growth was driven by expanded hectarage, favourable weather conditions and rising smallholder participation.
TIMB data shows that land under tobacco cultivation has expanded steadily in recent years, with planted area increasing to about 125,000 hectares in the latest season, up from around 113,000 hectares previously, reflecting renewed farmer confidence in the crop.
Industry forecasts point to another strong season if current conditions hold. With improved agronomic practices, sustained irrigation and continued farmer participation, stakeholders are projecting output that could match or exceed 360 million kilogrammes in the upcoming marketing season.
Tobacco remains Zimbabwe’s single largest agricultural export, generating more than US$1 billion in annual foreign currency earnings, and continued growth in key producing provinces is expected to underpin export performance.
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