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Raymond Jaravaza-Bulawayo Bureau
THE tobacco harvest for the present season is targeted at 300 million kilogrammes, with the Government encouraged by forecasts from the Meteorological Services Department predicting a normal to above-normal rainfall season.
The target represents a significant increase from the 235 million kg of tobacco expected in this year’s harvest, due to an El Niño-induced drought.
In 2023, the country produced 296 million kilogrammes of tobacco, driven by increased production from small-holder beneficiaries of land reform and the hard work of farmers.
“The target production for tobacco during the 2024-2025 season is 300 million kilogrammes. Currently, 120,963 growers have registered for the season, which is eight percent more than the 112,445 growers who registered during the same period in 2023,” said Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
“Of these farmers’ hectarage, 93 percent will be produced under contract from 27 registered contractors for the 2024-2025 season.
“As of 20 November 2024, the total area planted is 43,814 hectares, compared to 41,699 hectares in 2023.”
Matabeleland South, an unlikely producer of tobacco in the country, will also contribute to the national tobacco production targets. A number of villagers in Marula, Mangwe District, will be planting tobacco for the second time.
The pioneering commercial tobacco project was started by 17 Marula villagers last year, and at the end of the 2024 tobacco auction season, they had harvested an average of 800 kilograms each.
In the 2024-2025 season, more villagers are expected to join the tobacco farming project.
Matableland South has seen the reintroduction of oriental tobaccos, which provide much of the flavour of many modern brands.
Meanwhile, the distribution of Presidential Inputs, including cotton, has commenced.
Dr Muswere also confirmed that progress on the Silo expansion project is on track for the Kwekwe, Mutare, Mhangura, Mvurwi, Timbermills, Lupane, and Rutenga depots.
“On cotton, a total of 427,550 farmers will be supported through contract farming, covering an area of 278,750 hectares,” he added.
Online Reporter