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Sifelani Tsiko
Innovations Editor
The Tobacco Research Board (TRB), also known as Kutsaga, has won the Golden Leaf Award for introducing support measures that aim to promote best practices in sustainable tobacco cultivation to mitigate environmental impact, promote ethical farming, and ensure economic viability.
The Tobacco Reporter 2024 Golden Leaf Awards ceremony was held recently in Athens, Greece to recognise excellence in the tobacco production and marketing sector globally.
“To promote farmer viability and minimise the environmental impact of growth, Zimbabwe aims to increase production without laying claim to significantly more farmland,” read part of the citation..
“Kutsaga has contributed to those goals by developing seed varieties that are not only more productive but also more resilient, helping farmers cope with challenges such as pests and climate change
“In addition, the research board has been helping growers become more productive by reducing post-harvest losses. Zimbabwean tobacco production is dominated by smallholders who use wood as a fuel for tobacco growing.
“To address deforestation, Kutsaga has been developing sustainable wood sources and more efficient curing methods.”
Kutsaga has been working on programmes to develop and promote fuel-efficient curing facilities that can significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental footprint.
It has also conducted research into alternative energy solutions for tobacco curing, including biogas systems, solar hybrid barns, and sustainable tree species fuel sources.
“We are overjoyed to receive the prestigious Golden Leaf Award. This global recognition validates Kutsaga’s tireless efforts in promoting sustainable growth in Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector, acknowledging our commitment to innovative research, environmental stewardship, and socio-economic development,” said Tobacco Research Board (TRB) CEO Dr Frank Magama.
Guided by the ministry’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan and aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, he said, Kutsaga was committed to driving innovation, fostering strategic partnerships and promoting sustainable growth across the tobacco value chain.
“This award fuels our aspirations to become a leader in sustainable agriculture, showcasing our growing research and development capabilities and positioning us to attract investments, expand market opportunities and boost Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry competitiveness,” Dr Magama said.
Zimbabwe is the largest tobacco producer in Africa and the fourth largest in the world.
The country earns about US$1 billion annually from tobacco exports and is hoping to grow the industry to US$5 billion by 2025.
Online Reporter