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Monalisa Chikwengo
THE country’s dream to upstage the 2025 target of 300 million kilogrammes of tobacco a season ahead of time is close to becoming a reality amid revelations that seed sales for the 2023/24 season have so far reached 673 kilogrammes, which is enough to cover 112 104 hectares.
Last year 647 kilogrammes of seed enough to cover 110 063 hectares had been sold during the corresponding period raising prospects of a more fruitful 2024 season compared to the previous one.
Statistics with the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) indicate that as of July 20, 2023 at least 673 kilogrammes of tobacco seed with the capacity to cover 112 104 hectares had been sold, which is a positive sign for the tobacco industry that plays a vital role in Zimbabwe’s economy,
“This season we are expecting an increase in hectarage, thanks to the coming on board of new growers and players in the industry, as well as the decision by those who have already been in the industry to increase production,” TIMB public relations officer, Mrs Chelesani Tsarwe said yesterday.
The tobacco industry accounts for a significant portion of the country’s total export earnings.
Mrs Tsarwe said farmers had started seedbed preparations while those intending to have an early crop had already sown with those intending to do the mid to late crop busy preparing their seedbeds. Growers under contract farming have already been supplied with seedbed packs.
She also revealed that the future outlook for Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry was looking positive, and measures were being taken to guarantee its longevity and expansion.
“We are currently exploring economically viable alternatives to tobacco through robust diversification programmes. We are glad that we can now ride on the fact that TIMB recently became a certified member of Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and we have registered trainers and farm assurers who will work with farmers to ensure compliance with global standards for export crops,” she said.
Additionally, Mrs Tsarwe said focus was also on implementing the sustainable tobacco programme (STP) and becoming environmental, social and governance compliant.
“Sustainable agricultural practices will reduce the negative effects of tobacco production and our tobacco products will be better ranked on the global market,” further observed Mrs Tsarwe.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter