Officials say the joint operation is targeting sophisticated smuggling syndicates allegedly moving sesame seeds into Mozambique through illegal crossing points, particularly from Mbire District. Authorities are also seeking to curb roadside marketing and identify unlicensed buyers operating outside the country’s agricultural marketing regulations.

Tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe have threatened to withdraw their crops from auction floors after prices reportedly plunged on the opening day of the 2026 marketing season. The 2026 tobacco marketing season officially began on Wednesday, 4 March, with the first bale selling for US$4.60 per kilogramme, slightly lower than the US$4.65 recorded at the start of last year’s auction.