Lovemore Kadzura-Mutare Bureau
THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has urged tobacco farmers to uphold the dignity and welfare of their workers by providing decent working conditions, respecting their rights and safeguarding their health.
The call comes as researchers from Turkey are studying 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 that must be strictly observed, adding that it remains committed to promoting safe working conditions, responsible labour practices and protection from 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.”
The board said its efforts are aligned with the CORESTA 2026 theme, “Science for Sustainability and Harm Reduction in the Transforming Tobacco Landscape”, through the promotion of science-informed regulation, contractor compliance and responsible agricultural labour 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,” the board said.
Tobacco Farmers Union Trust of Zimbabwe president Mr Edward Dune said farmers were fully committed to promoting the dignity and welfare of farm workers, whose contribution to the 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 a vital cog and must be valued,” he said.
