Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
TOBACCO farmers have been directed to destroy their seedbeds before January 10, or face fines or imprisonment of up to two years.
Initially, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement had set December 31, 2021 as the deadline for transplanting all tobacco seedlings and destruction of seedbeds.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Department of Research and Specialist Services and the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board said many tobacco growers were unable to meet the initial deadline on account of the delayed onset of rains.
“The last date of destroying all tobacco plants in seedbeds shall be January 10, 2022 in the case of plants of a type other than oriental.
“All tobacco growers are required to adhere to all other legislated dates to prevent and reduce carryover of disease and pests.”
Online Reporter