tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT has pushed back dates for destroying tobacco seedlings to January 15, 2024 from the initial December 31 deadline to allow growers of rain-fed tobacco to transplant their seeds, especially after the wet season started late.
In a statement, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said: “Due to the late commencement of the season, many growers of rain-fed tobacco will not be able to transplant their seedlings by the seedling destruction deadline of 31 December 2023. Pursuant to the above, I have, in terms of Section 5 (1) of Plant Pests and Diseases (Tobacco) Regulations, 1979, made the following variation to the tobacco seedling destruction date for the 2023-24 season only. The last date of destroying all tobacco plants in seedbeds shall be January 15 2024, in the case of plants of a type other than oriental.”
Meanwhile, all tobacco growers are required to adhere to all other legislated dates to prevent the carryover of diseases and pests.
Bongani Ndlovu