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Dr Andrew Matibiri said the board-required information for planning purposes.
“We want farmers to register now so that we get initial information. We want to prepare for crop estimates and this helps us plan for the marketing season,” he said.
Dr Matibiri said some farmers were in the habit of growing tobacco without having registered only to do so when they bring their crop for sale.
“We do not want to repeat the situation we had this season whereby we had only 35 000 growers yet the register can go up to 66 000 growers,” he said.
Registration of new growers and renewals is currently underway.
The registration deadline is October 30.
Both new and old growers pay a registration fee of US$10.
Penalty charges will be levied on all late registration
This season farmers who registered late paid an additional penalty of US$40.
Registration is done at the TIMB offices in Harare, Bindura, Chinhoyi, Karoi, Mvurwi, Marondera and Rusape.
A farmer requires a completed application form, stamped and signed by the grower’s local Agritex officer to confirm that they are bona fide.
Registration also requires proof of land availability such as permit, offer letter or recommendation letter from the grower’s local councillor, chief or headman if the land is in a communal area.
Online Reporter