TIMB Bans Private Sale of Non-Contract Tobacco in Zimbabwe
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has announced a ban on the private sale of non-contract tobacco, declaring that all free-funded tobacco in Zimbabwe must be sold through the auction system in 2025. This directive aims to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance within the industry.
Tobacco Farming in Zimbabwe
Tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe operate under two main systems: self-financed (free-funded) farming and contract farming. Under contract farming, farmers enter agreements with specific buyers, usually processing companies, who provide essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and technical support. In return, the farmers commit to selling their entire harvest to the buyer at a predetermined price. This system has been crucial in granting smallholder farmers access to credit and stable markets, particularly after Zimbabwe’s land reforms expanded smallholder participation in the industry.
TIMB’s Enforcement of the Auction System
TIMB CEO Emmanuel Matsvaire emphasized that the board is resolute in its stance on enforcing auction sales for free-funded tobacco. “We challenge all the 55 licensed merchants this season that there is no room to buy free tobacco outside auction floors,” Matsvaire stated. This move is expected to eliminate illicit market practices and reinforce fair trade within the tobacco sector.
Role of TIMB in the Tobacco Industry
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board serves as a regulatory and advisory body overseeing tobacco cultivation, marketing, and exportation in Zimbabwe. Initially established in 1936 under the Tobacco Marketing and Levy Act, the board facilitated tobacco sales through auction floors. In 2004, contract farming was introduced to complement the auction system. Following legislative amendments in 1997, the board was rebranded as the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board.
TIMB continues to cater to the interests of various stakeholders within the tobacco sector, including farmers, buyers, and industry players. By reinforcing structured marketing systems, the board aims to sustain the growth and stability of Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry.
