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Wimbainashe Zhakata Mutare Correspondent
FARMERS in Manicaland have been left counting their losses after hailstorms destroyed over 30 hectares of tobacco worth approximately $600 000 in Mutasa district in the last two weeks.
Speaking to The Herald, Agritex tobacco specialist Mr Douglas Nzarayebani said reports from some parts of Mutasa district indicated that had recorded 100 percent losses on their irrigated tobacco.
“So far we have received reports from Mutasa district mainly indicating two distinctive tobacco farmers; Mr Peter Dobropoulos, who lost 20 hectares of tobacco, as well as Lieut-General (Retired) Mike Nyambuya, who lost about 10 hectares. We have received reports that other farmers in the same area also lost their crop but we have not been able to visit the farms yet to assess the damage,” he said.
Mr Nzarayebani said the losses would negatively impact this season’s productivity.
“Unfortunately, we are not going to get what we expected this season and in this scenario, we expect production has gone down by about 80 000kg,” he said
Mr Dobropoulos said the tobacco he lost was worth over $400 000 and an assessment of the destruction was currently being done.
“I lost about $400 000 worth of tobacco to the massive hailstorm that occurred recently. My insurance company is in the process of doing an assessment and hopefully this week they will be done,” he said.
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) spokesperson Mr Isheunesu Moyo said the board was aware of several reports nationwide of tobacco that had been affected by hailstorms.
He said irrigated tobacco was the affected mostly because it is planted early and was susceptible to hailstorms.
“We are aware of the tobacco destructions that were caused by hailstorms. We are concerned these losses will affect tobacco production in the country. However, there are high chances that those farmers who lost their crop are insured, so they will be able to recoup their losses. We advise all farmers to insure their crop to avoid total losses in the event of such weather phenomena,” said Mr Moyo.
Online Reporter