Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has urged tobacco farmers to uphold the dignity and welfare of their workers by providing decent working conditions, respecting their rights and protecting their health.
The call comes at a time when researchers from Turkey are examining Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS), an occupational illness caused by nicotine absorption through the skin, particularly when farm workers handle wet green tobacco leaves without adequate protection.
In a statement, TIMB said worker protection is a regulatory responsibility which must be strictly adhered to and it is playing an active role in promoting safe working conditions, responsible labour practices and protecting employees from being exposed to workplace hazards.
“Sustainability in tobacco production is not only about protecting the environment and improving productivity,” said TIMB.
“It is equally about protecting the health, safety and dignity of the people who produce the crop. For TIMB, worker protection is a regulatory responsibility, not an optional consideration. Through our Agricultural Labour Practices (ALP) Code and Handbook, TIMB promotes safe working conditions, responsible labour practices and the protection of workers from occupational hazards throughout the tobacco production cycle.
“Importantly, under the TIMB Contractors Compliance Framework, even the minimum prescribed tobacco contracting input packages include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This reinforces the principle that farm worker safety must be incorporated into production planning and financing from the outset.
“TIMB therefore reminds tobacco growers, contractors and farm managers that PPE is essential for every farm worker. Appropriate protective gloves, protective clothing, suitable footwear and other task-specific equipment help minimise the risk of GTS, pesticide exposure, skin irritation and other preventable occupational health conditions. PPE must be properly selected, used and maintained, supported by training and safe working practices.”
“In line with the CORESTA 2026 theme, “Science for Sustainability and Harm Reduction in the Transforming Tobacco Landscape,” TIMB continues to promote science-informed regulation, contractor compliance and responsible agricultural labour practices that safeguard the people at the heart of Zimbabwe’s tobacco value chain,” said TIMB.
Tobacco Farmers union Trust of Zimbabwe president, Mr Edward Dune, said farmers are fully committed to promoting the dignity of farm employees, saying their contribution to the success of the tobacco industry should be recognised and respected.
“Farm workers are an important part of the tobacco production chain and deserve respect, fair treatment and a safe working environment. They are the backbone of the sector. They are vital cog and must be valued,” he said.
