TIMB transforms small scale tobacco farming
STAFF WRITER
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is spearheading rural economic transformation through the Stow-Muhacha Cooperative, an innovative Village Business Unit (VBU) designed to support small-scale tobacco growers in line with the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan and the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy.
The above-mentioned policies ensure that smallholder growers receive the necessary resources and training to produce high-quality tobacco while fostering economic growth, sustainability and viability of tobacco growers.
Many smallholder tobacco growers struggle with limited access to funding, modern equipment and training leading to inefficiencies, low yields and environmental concerns such as deforestation.
TIMB stepped in to bridge these gaps, empowering growers to operate at a commercial level.
Under the Stow-Muhacha Initiative, 28 small-scale tobacco growers have been grouped into a registered formal company and are being supported throughout the entire tobacco production value chain.
TIMB has not only provided technical training but has also facilitated loan guarantees to help these farmers access the financial resources needed to get centre pivots for irrigation, tractors, tillage equipment, working capital and rehabilitation of coal curing systems to reduce reliance on wood fuel.
As a result, productivity has soared.
Some farmers produced as little as 800 kgs per hectare in previous seasons, but with TIMB’s support, their yields have tripled to an average of 2800 kg per hectare, recorded during the 2023/24 farming season.
The growers serviced their loans and received their dividend payouts, marking a significant milestone in rural economic empowerment as a viable Small to Medium Enterprise (SME).
Building on this momentum, the 2024/25 season has set even higher targets.
40 hectares of fully irrigated tobacco were done, and they are currently reaping, aiming for an average yield of 3200 kgs per hectare and a better average price due to improved tobacco quality.
This is possible because they have all the human and financial resources needed and their curing systems were recently renovated ensuring improved curing efficiency and sustainability.
Beyond increasing production, Stow-Muhacha is ensuring that tobacco farming remains sustainable for future generations.
Going forward the growers will also be doing alternative and alternate crops. They are being trained in afforestation practices and are establishing woodlots of fast-growing trees.
Measures are also in place to provide alternative sources of energy.
At peak season the cooperative has over 120 employees empowering marginalised groups, including women and youth, by providing them with opportunities to contribute to household income.
With its proven success, TIMB aims to replicate the Stow-Muhacha model across Zimbabwe, enabling more smallholder tobacco growers to transition into commercial-scale operations.
By combining technical expertise, financial support and sustainable practices, the initiative is setting a new standard for tobacco farming in Zimbabwe.
For the farmers of Stow-Muhacha, the future is brighter than ever.
Their success is a testament to what can be achieved when rural communities are empowered with the right tools and support.
As the initiative expands, it is set to redefine small-scale farming, proving that tobacco farming can be both profitable and sustainable in Zimbabwe’s evolving agricultural landscape.
