By Staff Reporter
HARARE — The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has dismissed circulating claims that tobacco auction floors have closed, insisting the 2026 marketing season remains active as tobacco deliveries and farmer earnings continue to surge.
In a statement issued Wednesday, TIMB said reports spreading on social media alleging an early shutdown of selling floors were “false and misleading.”
The board said all tobacco selling floors remain operational to ensure growers across the country have sufficient time to market their crop.
TIMB chief executive Emmanuel Matsvaire said farmers had so far earned US$561.6 million during the current marketing season, with tobacco deliveries recording a 34 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The regulator urged growers to continue with post-harvest activities, including proper grading and baling of tobacco, ahead of deliveries to the market.
“TIMB is the sole authority mandated to announce the opening and closing of tobacco sales floors through its official and verified communication channels,” the board said.
The authority also cautioned farmers against relying on unverified information circulating online, warning that any official changes regarding the marketing season would only be communicated through TIMB’s recognised platforms.
