NO REGISTRATION, NO TOBACCO

As TBZ Cracks the Whip on 2025Compliance

By Penjani Nzima

The Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) has officially declared the start of the 2025 tobacco agricultural season, effective April 1st.

TBZ describes 2025 as a defining year for discipline, quality, and growth in the country’s tobacco sector.

As the season gains momentum, TBZ is calling upon growers and sponsors alike to strictly observe regulatory requirements  beginning with timely registration and nursery inspections  which it says are the bedrock of a sustainable, profitable industry.

According to TBZ, all tobacco growers must complete their registration by October 31st, 2025, while sponsorsare required to submit comprehensive lists of contracted growers within the same timeframe.

Furthermore, the board indicated that late registration will be allowed between November 1st and December 31st,but with penalties as provided for under the Tobacco Act.

This is contained in the press statement by TBZ Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager, Lee Haamunji, and made available to Agri- Coop Newspaper.

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“This is not just about compliance. It is about building a tobacco industry that is respected globally, competitive in the region, and sustainable for the smallholder farmer who depends on it. Registration and inspections are our way of protecting the grower, the sponsor, and Zambia’s agricultural future,” noted Mr Haamunji.

He said the Board has furtherunderscored the need for growers to adhere to strict hygiene and chemical application protocols during the nursery phase.

Mr Haamunji emphasized that nurseryinspections are not simply procedural but essential for producing strong,viable, and high-quality seedlings.

“Every seedbed prepared with care,every fertilizer applied correctly, and every pest managed responsibly is aninvestment in a farmer’s livelihood,” he added.

Mr Haamunji says, “Quality tobacco starts at the nursery, and this is where Zambia’s global reputation begins.”

He also indicated that TBZ haspledged to carry out rigorous nursery inspections to ensure compliance, warningthat failure to meet standards could result in penalties or even restrictionson production and marketing.

The Board believes that strict adherence to these protocols will not only safeguard the integrity of Zambia’s tobacco but also help farmers tap into better markets and ultimately secure higher incomes.

As thousands of growers across the country till their seedbeds, the TBZ’s message is clear: discipline and commitment today will determine prosperity tomorrow.

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