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Yolanda Mlilo, Business Reporter
THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (Timb) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable pea production while enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.
With pea cultivation fitting seamlessly into the tobacco production cycles, the move comes at a time when the global pea market has surged, reaching an impressive value of US$66,65 billion in 2024.
To tap into this growing demand, Timb is offering expert guidance and support to local farmers, empowering them to produce export-quality peas and seize lucrative global opportunities.
Responding to questions from Sunday News Business, Timb spokesperson, Mrs Chelesani Tsarwe, said the move was part of their efforts to diversify the livelihoods of tobacco farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
“Timb was inspired by the need to improve the livelihoods of tobacco farmers through diversification that is, growing alternative crops to tobacco.
“Realising the farmers’ experience in growing tobacco (an export crop), Timb saw no difficulties in these farmers participating in mainstream horticultural exports. However, the consultancy services were not accessible to farmers because of cost and availability,” she said.
She said the initiative benefits not only pea farmers but also those growing fruits and vegetables for export.
Mrs Tsarwe said farmers will benefit from highly discounted consultancy services, with flexible payment terms.
“While the farmers obtain expert guidance, they also get free agribusiness advice on various topics that include financing export agricultural production, improving farm efficiency and managing costs, among others,” she said.
“Timb guides farmers in implementing the Global GAP standards and the documentation process. The process involves GAP analysis, training and capacity building, the creation of document control systems and the development of auditable documents. By doing so, the farmers’ practices become more sustainable.”
Global GAP is an internationally recognised certified standard that ensures good agricultural practices.
She said the whole agronomy and implementation of Global GAP Risk Assessment on Social Practice (Grasp) covers topics such as workers’ health and safety, fair treatment, child labour, living conditions of workers and community engagement, among other things.
Mrs Tsarwe said by Grasp, agricultural operations create a safe and fair working environment, which enhances worker motivation and productivity.
“When workers are treated well, healthy and properly trained, they are more likely to apply best practices in farming, leading to improved crop quality and safety standards, ultimately resulting in top-quality produce,” she said.
Mrs Tsarwe said they had trainings and development of required document control systems in place, while calling all interested farmers and stakeholders to take advantage of upcoming trainings or workshops.
In Zimbabwe, peas production is one of the most viable horticultural venture that new farmers are taking up to penetrate the export market.
Online Reporter