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Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
THE Modern Tobacco Leaf Exporters Association of Zimbabwe (TLEAZ) has made a significant contribution to agricultural innovation by donating a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility to Kutsaga, dedicated to advanced tobacco research.
Valued at over US$170 000, this facility marks a crucial step towards sustainable tobacco production and addressing climate change challenges in Zimbabwe.
At the greenhouse handover in Harare, Kutsaga chief executive officer Dr Frank Magama expressed gratitude to TLEAZ for their support, noting that the greenhouse will serve as a platform for exploring new advancements in tobacco science and technology.
“I am pleased to announce that we have a state-of-the-art greenhouse, one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the country. This greenhouse will significantly enhance Kutsaga’s strategic initiatives as we embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR),” he said.
The new facility is expected to nurture a new generation of tobacco researchers and strengthen the tobacco value chain, which the Government recognises as having immense growth potential.
Government has initiated the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, aiming to elevate the sector to a US$5 billion industry by 2025 by focusing on increased production and productivity.
With this ambitious plan and the new greenhouse, Zimbabwe seeks to position itself as a leader in sustainable tobacco production.
Kutsaga board chairperson Mr Aaron Denenga praised the donation, saying it will serve as a vital hub for ground-breaking tobacco research, particularly in varietal development and disease resistance breeding.
“This donation underscores TLEAZ’s unwavering commitment to supporting TRB’s research efforts in addressing climate change challenges. It will provide an optimal environment for our researchers to experiment with innovative techniques, promote sustainable farming practices, and foster education and research collaboration. By shielding our research from the disruptive effects of climate change, this greenhouse will enable year-round experimentation and innovation,” he said.
TIMB acting chief executive officer Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire said the greenhouse represents a vision for the future of tobacco farming, further highlighting that it combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable cultivation practices, helping the nation meet the growing demand for high-quality tobacco while reducing its environmental impact.
“With this greenhouse, we are poised to lead the way in sustainable tobacco farming and set new standards in efficiency and quality. We are excited about the potential this facility holds for the entire tobacco industry. This greenhouse will serve as a model for future projects as we continue to invest in innovation and sustainability,” he said.
TLEAZ executive secretary Mr Rob Holmes commended Kutsaga for producing world-class tobacco varieties and expressed optimism for maintaining high standards following the greenhouse donation.
Online Reporter