FARMERS have been urged to prioritise proper grading, baling and presentation of their crop as prices begin to firm at both the contract and auction floors.
The 2026 tobacco marketing season has opened with a strong presence of lower leaf positions, commonly known as primings, which are naturally priced lower than upper leaf grades.
This has resulted in mixed price outcomes on the floors, although better-quality tobacco is gradually attracting stronger bids as the season progresses.
During the tour of tobacco selling floors, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, said early pricing patterns were being shaped by the type of leaf entering the market and the need to ensure farmers are fairly rewarded for their efforts.
“At this stage of the season, most of what is coming to the floors is lower leaf positions, and this is what is predominantly on offer,” he said.
He said prices were expected to improve as higher-quality leaf begins to dominate deliveries, noting early signs of recovery in market performance.
Leaf director at Ethical Sales Floor, Mr Gardner Magandi, said pricing was closely linked to both leaf position on the plant and how the crop is prepared before sale.
“At this stage of the season, it is mainly the bottom of the plant that is coming to the floors,” he said.
“As we move up the plant, the prices start to appreciate. We have already seen top prices reaching US$4.94 per kilogramme on the auction floors.”
Mr Magandi said farmers who invest in proper curing, grading and presentation were likely to benefit more as the season progresses and better-quality tobacco enters the system.
“Tobacco that is well graded, well cured and well-presented is going to fetch a good price,” he said.
He said the daily market activity was already showing gradual improvement as more structured and higher-grade deliveries reach the auction system.
The developments come as the industry transitions from early lower-grade sales towards higher-value leaf positions, a normal pattern that defines the opening phase of the marketing season. – Herald
