Andrew
Theseus Shambare
PREPARATIONS for the 2022/2023 tobacco season are already underway, with at least 12 000 hectares of irrigated seed-beds having been sown by last week.
Farmers are reportedly getting their inputs on time.
Sowing of seed-beds began on June 1 for irrigated crops, which are mostly grown by contracted large-scale farmers.
The earliest date of planting the crop is September 1.
Chief director for Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) Professor Obert Jiri told The Sunday Mail Online there was likely to be significant improvement in tobacco output next year.
“Seed-bed production is promising, and, as it stands, 12 000 hectares are complete.
“I understand the contractors have supplied the farmers with the much-needed inputs for the irrigated tobacco crop,” he said.
“Currently, our dams have enough water that can cater for our irrigated crop, which we have set a target of 20 000 hectares, an improvement from the previous season when we had 18 000 hectares.”
In a separate interview, Tobacco Association of Zimbabwe president Mr George Seremwe commended the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) for restoring investors’ confidence through implementing Statutory Instrument (SI) 77 of 2022, which criminalises side-marketing by contracted farmers.
Farmers are also now receiving payments within two days of selling their crop.
“Most of the seed-beds are established and land preparation is in full swing to make sure that they meet the September 1 planting commencement date.
“Farmers are geared-up, especially commercial farmers who usually go for irrigated tobacco.
“It is too early to conclude, but as far as seed-bed inputs are concerned, it seems things are in the right direction,” said Mr Seremwe.
Last season, he added, there were hiccups as contractors delayed supplying seed-bed inputs.
“With the TIMB playing a front role in regulating tobacco farming, contractors seem to be willing to invest and follow the timings of the production calendar.”
Farmers are, however, concerned about rising input prices.
“We need a mechanism in which inputs are not expensive, which enables farmers to retain profits, which they take home after the season.”
Online Reporter