Tobacco joy for farmers

Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter

Tobacco farmers say their lives have changed since the opening of the 2024 marketing season due to relatively fair prices, adding that the country’s foreign currency situation will also improve soon.

In separate interviews at the auction floors recently, farmers narrated how tobacco production is changing their lives.

Many farmers are now able to send their children to school, construct decent houses, while others have acquired farming equipment such as tractors.

For Mrs Tamari Charakupa of Marondera, examination fees for her daughter who will sit for Ordinary Level examinations this year are already catered for.

“I am grateful that I managed to pay the examination fees for my child,” she said.

“I can afford to send my children to school through tobacco growing. I have also managed to buy food for my family.

“Tobacco growing should not be looked down upon. We look forward to another good marketing season like this one.”

Mr Tonderai Masande of Chiendambuya said all his wealth emanated from growing tobacco, adding that the crop has positively transformed his living standards.

“The organised marketing system and favourable prices have continued to attract farmers. I am happy that this time, we got our money on time. This is crucial because it gives us room to plan for our families and future production. Right now I am focusing on winter wheat.”

Tobacco Farmers’ Union Trust vice president Mr Edward Dune said opening the marketing season early is crucial as it ensures that the foreign currency generated by farmers oils the economy, resulting in favourable prices of goods.

“This is a positive development that will allow farmers to have their money on time so that they embark on increased productivity. The marketing season will enable the circulation of foreign currency in the country,” he said.

Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers’ Association (ZTGA) chairman, Mr George Seremwe, said tobacco was on demand worldwide, but said the obtaining prices will benefit middlemen and contractors, not the farmers.

He said the majority of farmers are being paid on time although they are not happy with the prices.

“So far, there are no changes in prices. Prices remain static. We need to share the benefits but contractors and middlemen are benefiting alone. My advice to farmers is that if they are not happy with the prices, they should negotiate or withdraw for better prices.

“They should not accept any prices that are offered at the auction and contract floors,” he said.