MIDWEEK REPORTER
HARARE- The 2025 tobacco marketing season began this Wednesday with the first bale fetching US$4.65 per kilogram.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka presided over the official opening of the 2025 tobacco marketing season.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) said 32 buyers and 43 contractors are buying from 56 selling points across Zimbabwe.
“TIMB is committed to ensuring that all tobacco growers have fair and convenient market access and we are continuously engaging stakeholders to explore ways to improve accessibility,” TIMB said.
Farmers will receive 70 % of their tobacco sales proceeds in foreign currency and 30 % will be paid in local currency at the prevailing inter bank rate on the day of sale.

Statistics from TIMB shows that 214 million kgs of tobacco valued at US$740 million had been sold at an average price of US$3. 54 by June 2 in 2024.
This year’s tobacco marketing season is expected to be better than last year buoyed by normal to above normal 2024/2025 rainfall season.