Tobacco value chain plan under review

Staff Writer

HARARE – THE Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan is under review, with the industry focusing on value addition, sustainable production and local financing mechanisms to ensure growth and development.

Launched in 2021, the plan seeks to address challenges affecting the sector, including low productivity, limited local funding mechanisms and minimal value addition.

The review of the plan will ensure alignment with National Development Strategy 2 and the Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy.

Addressing stakeholders in Harare today, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri said the plan was a critical step towards shaping the future of the industry.

The transformation of the tobacco industry, he said, was a collective mission requiring the input and ownership of farmers, contractors, processors, financiers, researchers, regulators and development partners.

“Let us remain guided by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr E.D Mnangagwa’s vision to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

“Despite the challenges faced by the industry, significant progress has been made in implementing the plan. Zimbabwe has become the first country in Southern Africa to grow Shisha tobacco, joining an elite group of producers that includes Germany and France.

“The country also ranks sixth in global tobacco production, with over 95 percent of output being premium flue-cured Virginia tobacco,” Jiri said.

Bergattal Tobacco Incorporated managing director Moses Machine said the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan was important as the industry is a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy, supporting over 160 000 households and contributing to more than half of the country’s agricultural exports.

He said the industry represents a quarter of Zimbabwe’s agricultural GDP contribution, making it a vital sector for the country’s economic growth and development.

Priority is being given to value chain development, sustainable farming practices and exploring local financing mechanisms to reduce reliance on external funding.