The Tobacco Research Board was established in 1950 under the Tobacco Research Act (Chapter18:21). Its mandate is to direct, control and carry out tobacco research in Zimbabwe. The TRB’s mission is “To develop and provide elite varieties and innovative agro-based technical services and products to maximize economic value from sustainable tobacco production.”
The TRB has exclusive rights to flue-cured research in Zimbabwe. All varieties of tobacco sold in Zimbabwe must be those recommended by the TRB. Furthermore, all agrochemicals used on tobacco must be countenanced by the TRB before use, in terms of Tobacco Marketing and Levy Act. The Board emphasizes science-and fact-based management of the crop by growers.
The TRB headquarters are at the world-renowned Kutsaga Research Station at the outskirts of Harare.
A self-sustaining centre of excellence in tobacco research and the provision of agro-based products and services by December 2023.
To develop and provide elite varieties and innovative agro-based technical services and products in order to maximize economic value from sustainable tobacco production.
As a Board we are guided by the following values in the way we conduct our mandate.
Innovation: Our quest for novelty.
Integrity: Our ethical, trustworthy, fair and transparent approach to business.
Accountability: Our responsibility from idea and process to outcome and impact.
Transformation: Our commitment to improved livelihoods of tobacco growers.
Actualization: Our accomplishment of business objectives through efficiency, persistence, and creativity.
