adminIt is important that a farmer knows characteristics inherent in the tobacco type.
Ripening process of the early planted irrigated crop is generally slow than the late planted rain-fed crop.
Agritex has observed that farmers have a tendency to reap tobacco leaves before they are fully ripe.
This results in the production of grey slate or off type tobacco.
Whenever reaping, farmers should:
- Start with the bottom part of the leaves
- Reap leaves when fully ripe; leaves in the lower third part of the plant are ready for reaping when they are showing 25mm yellow.
- Always reap uniform leaves of the same ripening and stalk position.
- avoid green-reaping or immature reaping as this gives poor smoking quality.
- Reaping should be organised to minimise handling and breakage of the leaves.
- Ensure barns are serviced, maintained and repaired in preparation for reaping.
- Labour should be organised or hired before the reaping process to avoid the wasting of the crop in the field.
- Workers should be trained on reaping, curing and grading.
- Always seek assistance from Agritex experts when not sure in handling your crop.
Online Reporter