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Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Preparations for the next tobacco season have intensified with at least 1 755 hectares of irrigated seed-beds being sown since the start of this month.
Farmers are reportedly getting their inputs on time.
Sowing of seed-beds began on June 1 for irrigated crops, which are mostly grown by contracted large-scale farmers. Most smallholder farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture are expected to start sowing their beds in July and August.
The earliest date of planting the crop is September 1.
Statistics from Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) indicate that enough tobacco seed has been sold to cover 1755 hectares.
Tobacco Farmers Union Trust president Mr Victor Mariranyika said farmers are geared-up, especially large-scale commercial farmers who usually go for irrigated tobacco.
“There was likely to be significant improvement in tobacco output next year. Seed-bed production is promising, and, as it stands, I understand the contractors have supplied the farmers with the much-needed inputs for the irrigated tobacco.
“A huge progress has so far been shown by commercial farmers. They have irrigation facilities and the process is ongoing. It is too early to conclude, but as far as seed-bed inputs are concerned, it seems things are in the right direction,” he said.
Mr Mariranyika also said it is critical to choose a variety which suits the region of each farm, adding that this season they are expecting improvement in yields.
“There are different varieties available that are adapted to the region of your farm. You have to ensure that you select the correct variety that suits the environmental conditions of your farm to boost your yields,” he said.
Currently, dams have enough water that can cater for the irrigated crop.
Most of the seed-beds are established and land preparation is in full swing to make sure that they meet the September 1 start of planting.
With the TIMB playing a front role in regulating tobacco farming, contractors seem to be willing to invest and follow the timings of the production calendar.
Tobacco Farmers Union Trust vice president Mr Edward Dune said progress on irrigated tobacco showed farmers were committed towards the production of tobacco this season.
He said the rest of farmers who are relying on rain-fed tobacco are busy securing inputs, irrigation and equipment to ensure a smooth flow of the season.
“Farmers are well prepared this season. I encourage farmers to work hard this season and wean off from contractors because 95 percent of farmers are contracted,” he said.
Farmers are, however, concerned about rising input prices.
Mrs Margaret Runemo of Katawa Raffingora indicated that farmers should be properly paid, adding that production costs should be considered when setting prices at the tobacco floors.
“We need a mechanism in which inputs are not expensive, which enables farmers to retain profits that they take home after the season,” she said.
Mr Togarepi Mutuzva of Banket indicated that the majority of farmers have secured inputs after selling tobacco at the floors.
He said lack of irrigation facilities have caused most farmers to rely on rain-fed farming.
“All is in place but we are waiting for rains in order for the production to take place. We appeal for our Government to increase irrigation schemes so that we engage in tobacco production early,” he said.
TIMB statistics indicate that farmers have so far sold 265 million kilogrammes of tobacco valued at US$800million compared to 172 million kilograms sold at US$520 million by this stage last year. This is an increase of 54 percent sold during the same period last year.
TIMB sales statistics indicate that the highest price of US$6,10 per kilogramme was however offered at the contract floors while auction floors have continued to register a highest price of US$4,99 per kg.
Tobacco is ranked as one of the most economically important non-food crops in Zimbabwe, earning millions of dollars annually. The tobacco crop is important to the country as a foreign currency earner, contributing to improved livelihoods and employing a large number of poor rural population.
Online Reporter