Irrigation Boosts Zimbabwe Tobacco Crop

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Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector expanded sharply in the 2025/26 season, with planted area rising 21.7% to 113,536 hectares, driven by increased irrigation despite fewer registered farmers. Contract farming dominated production, though self-funded growers offered renewed support for auctions. As output targets rose to 360 million kilograms after record earnings above $1 billion the previous season, authorities urged farmers to follow strict harvesting and curing practices to protect quality and returns.