Shasha Tobacco celebrated its top-performing growers for the 2024-25 tobacco season with vibrant events held at its Mvurwi, Karoi, and Harare floors on July 16th, 17th, and 18th, 2025. These gatherings aimed to recognize small-scale and semi-commercial growers who excelled in terms of average prices and the volume of tobacco delivered. Outstanding growers were selected from all regions where Shasha Tobacco operates, ensuring that each field officer had representation.
Part of the farmers who attended the grower awards in Mvurwi, Karoi and Harare
The awards ceremonies were supported by key stakeholders closely associated with Shasha Tobacco, including Doves, FBC, CBZ Risk Management Services, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Doves took the opportunity to encourage farmers to sign up for funeral assurance policies specifically designed for tobacco growers, explaining how these policies functioned to those in attendance. Meanwhile, CBZ Risk Management Services, a partner in providing insurance for contracted growers, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting tobacco farmers in the event of insurable losses.
FBC, the main banking partner of Shasha Tobacco, expressed gratitude to Shasha Tobacco and its growers for their trust in them providing banking services. Bank representatives emphasized their dedication to enhancing services for the benefit of both Shasha Tobacco and its farmers. They encouraged tobacco farmers to make use of FBC’s banking and financial services even after the tobacco marketing season ends. During the meeting, FBC took the time to listen to farmers’ grievances, suggestions, and areas for improvement, which delighted those in attendance who were eager to share their thoughts.
Members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police also spoke at the gatherings, urging farmers to steer clear of side marketing, child labour, and domestic violence. Additionally, they stressed the importance of vigilance, especially given the rise in robbery cases during the tobacco marketing season.
In his keynote address at the three events, Shasha Tobacco’s Operations Director, Augustine Ajento, expressed his appreciation for the exceptional performance of all the growers during the 2024-25 season. He focused on the importance of sustainability in tobacco production, urging all Shasha Tobacco farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Mr. Ajento highlighted the need to avoid farming methods that harm the environment and encouraged farmers to take their environmental responsibilities seriously. He assured them of Shasha Tobacco’s commitment to sustainability and improving their livelihoods, mentioning ongoing initiatives like the afforestation program and providing coal as a curing fuel.
Shasha Tobacco representatives and other stakeholders speaking at the events
Mr. Ajento announced that Shasha Tobacco is actively working to empower all its growers to make effective and efficient use of coal by implementing V-slot and barn fans technology. Attendees at the events were informed that Shasha Tobacco plans to gradually increase its coal supply until it eliminates the use of firewood among its contracted growers. During the gathering in Karoi, Mr. Ajento pledged that the construction of Shasha Tobacco’s own sales floor in the farming town would be expedited, promising that it would be operational by the 2025-26 tobacco marketing season.
Before handing out awards to growers, Shasha Tobacco committed to environmental responsibility by donating refuse bins to the Mvurwi and Karoi Town Councils. Exceptional growers received gift packages that included certificates of appreciation, farming equipment, and promotional apparel. In conclusion, Shasha Tobacco encouraged farmers to keep up their hard work, assuring them that even bigger and better rewards would be in store for the 2025-26 season.
Awards presentations during the three events.
