Zimbabwe Tobacco Farmers Threaten to Withdraw Crop Over Low Auction Prices

Tobacco bales at auction floor

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.

Despite the relatively strong opening price, many farmers say actual buying prices quickly dropped, prompting anger among growers who had travelled long distances to deliver their crop. Videos circulating online show farmers complaining that some buyers were offering as little as US$1 per kilogram, far below the opening price announced earlier in the day.

Growers accused buyers of using the initial price as a marketing tactic designed to attract farmers to the auction floors before lowering bids once trading began.

The sharp fall in prices triggered protests among farmers, who argued that the sudden decline was unfair even if supply levels were higher than expected this season. By the end of the trading day, some farmers said prices had reportedly dropped to around US$1 per kilogram, with a few claiming they had been offered as little as US$0.50 per kilogram for their tobacco.

Producers warned that such prices would make it difficult for them to cover the cost of production, including labour, inputs, and transport to the auction floors.

Many farmers said the low prices would not even cover the cost of returning to their farms after delivering their crop. Tobacco remains one of Zimbabwe’s most important agricultural exports and a key source of foreign currency for the economy.

However, farmers have repeatedly raised concerns over pricing transparency and the costs associated with producing the crop, including fertiliser, fuel, and labour. Some growers say they may consider withdrawing their tobacco from the market if prices do not improve, warning that the situation could undermine confidence in the auction system. Authorities and industry stakeholders are expected to monitor the situation closely as the marketing season progresses.

Zimbabwe tobacco farmers protest; tobacco marketing season; tobacco prices 2026