Jerold Sasa
MARONDERA – THE 2024 tobacco marketing season is progressing steadily in Mashonaland East Province, with more than 23 million kilogrammes of the golden leaf, valued at over US$76 million, having been sold to date at the province’s nine contract auction floors.
The development has been welcomed by farmers across the province, who continue to benefit from increased government support and improved agronomic practices.
During a tour of the auction floors in Marondera, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, expressed satisfaction with the province’s contribution to national tobacco output.
“As a province, we are proud to be making such a meaningful contribution to national tobacco production. We will continue supporting our farmers to sustain and grow this momentum,” he said.
Tobacco farmers interviewed by the news crew praised the marketing season and commended government initiatives that have enabled them to grow the crop successfully.
“I am very pleased with the way this season has progressed. Since I started growing tobacco, my life has changed significantly,” one farmer said.
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We are grateful for the support we have received from government and stakeholders. Tobacco has truly empowered us economically,” added another.
According to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, more than 23 000 hectares were put under tobacco in Mashonaland East this season.
Crop specialist Mr Moses Mutero noted that the season’s output was in line with the province’s targets.
“We had our target for this year and we are very excited we have managed to get a good yield this season which shows we are going towards the right direction,” he said.
Government has emphasised that tobacco production remains a key economic driver for the province, contributing significantly to its gross domestic product (GDP) and providing livelihoods for thousands of farming households.
