admin
Edgar Vhera
Agriculture Specialist Writer
KUTSAGA Research Station has brought joy to tobacco farmers this festive season by slashing seedling prices by 50 percent, reducing costs from US$430 to US$215 per hectare as the mandatory planting deadline of December 31 approaches.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Kutsaga announced: “Hurry! Limited stock at unbeatable prices. Don’t miss out on our clearance sale for premium and climate-smart tobacco seedlings at US$215 per hectare.”
Kutsaga’s public relations and communications officer, Mr Tatenda Mugabe said, “All tobacco must be planted by December 31, and seedlings should be destroyed by January 1 as per legal requirements.
Kutsaga has available KRK70, KRK74, and KRK66 varieties at its Harare and Banket depots.
Meanwhile, some tobacco seedlings in conventional seedbeds have suffered due to a lack of irrigation water, raising concerns among farmers about their ability to cultivate a crop this season.
An A1 farmer from Rungudzi Farm in Guruve, Mr Richard Nyachowe expressed his frustration: “I have been growing tobacco since 2007 and have never faced water issues like this year. Although my seedlings are still viable, many others are a write-off. I plan to drill a borehole next year for irrigation.”
Another farmer, Mrs Viola Mushongahande from Kachuta area, reported that farmers had dug shallow wells in the now-dried Mushongahande Dam to irrigate their seedlings, but these wells have also run dry.
“Some farmers in my group do not have any tobacco seedlings this year. We urgently call for intervention from the Government and development partners to support tobacco planting this season,” she said.
Guruve Agritex district officer Mrs Charity Mapira confirmed that seedlings had been affected by the combined effects of high temperatures and water shortages.
Experts noted that some farmers may opt for the discounted seedlings under a stop-order system, as cash flow is a significant barrier.
Farmers using the float tray system for seedlings have experienced fewer issues with dry weather conditions. Although this method requires a higher initial investment, it is more water-efficient throughout the seedling stage.
In 2021, Government introduced the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan (TVCTP) aimed at achieving a US$5 billion tobacco industry by 2025.
This plan focuses on localising tobacco funding, sustaining production of 300 million kilogrammes of the golden leaf, and enhancing value addition and export of cigarettes.
The 2023/24 season has been impacted by El Niño-induced drought, resulting in a production drop to 236 million kilogrammes.
The country is aiming for a target of 300 million kilograms of tobacco this season.
Online Reporter