Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry has delivered a record-breaking output in the 2026 marketing season, surpassing all previous national production records, the Tobacco Research Board (Kutsaga) has said.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 30 July 2026, the Tobacco Research Board said the historic achievement, realised against shifting global markets and unpredictable weather patterns, brings the country closer to its capacity goal of 500 million kilogrammes by 2030 under the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan 2 (TVCTP2).
Kutsaga commended the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, growers and the entire tobacco value chain for the feat.
“Surpassing last year’s crop figures is a clear testament to the leadership, skill, discipline, and technical excellence of the collective industry, which continues to prove that the country possesses the agronomic capacity to meet and exceed global market requirements,” the Board said.
The record comes after Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said in his Mid-Term Budget Review that tobacco output is projected at 400 million kgs in 2026, up 12.7 per cent from the 2025 record of 355 million kgs.
As of June 17, deliveries were 330.6 million kgs, compared to 299.2 million kgs over the same period in 2025.
While celebrating the production milestone, Kutsaga noted challenges of global oversupply that have temporarily exerted downward pressure on commodity prices.
Treasury said tobacco prices on auction floors have fallen by 25 percent this season, with the value of deliveries down to US$827.6 million from US$1 billion last year, largely attributable to oversupply due to build-up of reserves in major markets and a long-term decline in demand.
To shield Zimbabwe’s growing seasonal volumes from international volatility, Kutsaga urged farmers to prioritise quality, saying premium, flawless leaf remains highly sought after and commands top-tier prices even in an oversupply situation.
The Board stressed the importance of certified seeds and strict seedbed hygiene, precision field management tailored for forecasted drought conditions in the 2026/27 season, timely harvesting to preserve leaf quality and integrity, and optimised curing technologies that eliminate makeshift and inefficient barns.
Kutsaga said as Zimbabwe marches towards the ambitious goals of the TVCTP2 strategy through new and diversified markets, enhanced uptake from traditional markets and local value addition and beneficiation, it remains committed to supporting growers across the entire production cycle.
This includes ancillary services such as soil and water testing, advanced pest and disease control, modern curing technologies and hands-on agronomic guidance.
“This record-breaking season is not only a victory for growers but also a strategic milestone for Zimbabwe’s economy, reinforcing the country’s position as a powerhouse in agricultural transformation,” said Kutsaga Chief Executive Officer Dr Frank Magama.
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