Tobacco

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TIMB Urges Adoption of Drought-Tolerant Tobacco Varieties Ahead of Potential El Niño Season The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has called on dryland tobacco farmers to adopt drought-tolerant tobacco varieties as part of efforts to safeguard production against forecast below-normal rainfall and the potential impact of a super El Niño during the 2026/27 agricultural season. In an advisory to growers, TIMB said projections from the Meteorological Service Department (MSD) indicate a likelihood of reduced rainfall, making it essential for farmers to select tobacco varieties best suited to anticipated weather conditions, rainfall patterns and available irrigation resources. The board highlighted the importance of climate-smart farming practices, noting that the choice of appropriate seed varieties will play a critical role in maintaining productivity and crop quality under increasingly challenging climatic conditions. TIMB identified established Kutsaga tobacco varieties KRK71 and KRK75 as among the most reliable options for moisture-stressed environments, citing their deep root systems and proven ability to perform well under drought conditions. The board also encouraged farmers to consider newer climate-resilient varieties, including T78, T79, T80 and T81, which were specifically developed to thrive in dry, high-temperature and low-rainfall environments. According to TIMB, these advanced varieties utilise a drought-escape mechanism that enables plants to complete critical growth stages before severe moisture stress occurs, thereby reducing the risk of significant yield losses. Farmers with access to irrigation were urged to carefully align their choice of tobacco variety with available water resources to optimise yields, maintain leaf quality and enhance overall crop performance. The advisory forms part of broader efforts to strengthen climate resilience within Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector as stakeholders prepare for a potentially challenging agricultural season and work to sustain production in the face of changing weather patterns.

July 17, 2026

TIMB Urges Adoption of Drought-Tolerant Tobacco Varieties Ahead of Potential El Niño Season The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has called on dryland tobacco farmers to adopt drought-tolerant tobacco varieties as part of efforts to safeguard production against forecast below-normal rainfall and the potential impact of a super El Niño during the 2026/27 agricultural […]

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Zimbabwe’s Exports to China Surge to Record US$1.36 Billion

July 14, 2026

Zimbabwe’s exports to China have reached a record US$1.36 billion in 2025, marking a significant increase from US$256 million in 2021 and underscoring the strengthening trade ties between the two countries. According to ZimTrade, the impressive growth reflects rising demand for Zimbabwean products in one of the world’s largest markets, creating new opportunities for local […]

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