- The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has announced new deadlines for license applications for contractors and ‘A’ Class licenses
- The new deadlines are March 31, 2025, for contractors and October 31, 2025, for ‘A’ Class licenses
- TIMB projects annual tobacco leaf production of over 300 million kilograms this year, with over 140,000 farmers involved in the crop
Harare-The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has announced new deadlines for license applications for both contractors buying and ‘A’ class buying licences.
The dates have been moved to 31 March 2025 and 31st October 2025 respectively.
They were previously renewed by December 31 and January 31 last year.
The purpose of the revised deadlines is to address challenges of delayed input delivery and non-compliance with minimum input package requirements, which have historically disadvantaged farmers.
These new deadlines are of advantage to farmers as they ensure operational continuity, allowing them to maintain their planting and harvesting schedules without interruption.
Zimbabwe remains China’s top trading partner for the importation of unmanufactured tobacco.
According to TIMB, annual tobacco leaf production of over 300 million kilogrammes is projected this year, up from over 140 000 farmers growing the crop.
Over 95% of tobacco production is through contract farming, with 37 tobacco buyers actively buying from farmers annually.
Trading data shows that Tobacco exports also grew from 8.7% to 13% in 2024.
Zimbabwe's tobacco industry remains a vital contributor to the national economy, trailing behind gold and PGMs.
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