Andrew
Online Reporter
Tobacco farmers have been implored by Government not to side-market their crop.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Mike Madiro made the plea at a field day held by Ethical Leaf Tobacco (ELT) at Mr Sonny Mutema’s farm in Mapembe, Odzi, ahead of the start of this year’s tobacco marketing season on Thursday.
Tobacco is the country’s second-highest foreign currency earner after gold.
“There are two sides to the side-marketing issues. On one hand, we have some contractors that do not provide farmers with all the inputs but still expect the same farmers to deliver their entire crop to them, and, on the other, we have some dishonest farmers who, after being fully supported by a contractor, sell their crop to other people to maximise their returns,” he said.
“Tobacco is a critical crop in this country because we are largely dependent on agriculture, so it is important that contractors and farmers strike the right balance to ensure a win-win situation.”
Government is also working to mitigate the effects of climate change on the sector.
“As you have heard, the President’s vision is to have a dam to irrigate 200 hectares in every district,” added Deputy Minister Madiro.
Mr Mutema managed to plant two hectares of the crop under contract in the 2021/2022 season.
ELT’s regional manager for Manicaland Mr Gift Chaitezvi said farmers should “not entertain middleman”.
“When they come to the floors, they should only deal with our officials and those of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board,” he said.
Online Reporter