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Edgar Vhera
Agriculture Specialist Writer
BUOYED by last season’s rich pickings on the market, producers of air-cured tobacco look set to increase the crop’s hectarage from last year’s 10 to 100 this time around.
The crop’s sole contractor, Atlas Agri (Pvt Ltd) Zimbabwe, has since revealed that they plan to produce the crop on over 100 hectares in the 2024/25 season.
“So far, we have engaged over 150 farmers to produce the crop on over 100 hectares, up from last year’s 10 hectares that were done by 17 farmers,” the company’s chief executive officer, Mr Alex Mackay said.
Mr Mackay said many of the farmers who participated in the inaugural test expressed great satisfaction at the sale with the top-performing grower, Mr Martin Nguni, delivering 608 kilogrammes and getting an average price of US$3, 10 per kilogramme.
The success of the project has sparked considerable interest in the crop resulting in more farmers expressing interest to grow it in the 2024/25 season.
“We have seen over 300 new farmers applying for contracts, expanding our reach to Plum Tree, Fig Tree and the wider Mangwe region. Looking ahead, we have several initiatives in the pipeline aimed at enhancing yield and quality,” he said enthusiastically.
These include the introduction of drought-resistant varieties from Kutsaga, a revised plant nutrition scheme and improved curing practices.
Mr Mackay explained: “Our goal is to boost returns for our farmers and as proof of concept, it’s noteworthy that our naturally-cured Virginia was processed entirely without the use of fuel wood but solely relying on natural elements. This innovative approach has garnered significant momentum as a diverse and highly sustainable agro-project in the area.”
He added that with support and guidance from Agritex and the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), they hoped to develop the crop over time for the benefit of both farmers and the economy in line with Government’s vision as espoused in the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan (TVCTP).
TIMB acting chief executive officer, Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire recently said the country conducted the first sale of national air cured tobacco at Mangwe district in Matabeleland South exactly 62 years ago.
“The last sale of the crop happened in 1962 when the crop (Turkish tobacco) was produced by a farmer named Rosenfels at Nicotine Farm in Mangwe.
“This year 4 000 kilogrammes were produced and marketed at an average price of US$3 per kilogramme with the highest at US$3, 40,” he said.
Production of the natural air-cured tobacco is a milestone towards total industry sustainability, as it requires no wood energy for curing thereby reducing the environmental impact of tobacco production.
The air-cured tobacco brand is highly sought after by the American market. Samples of the crop were taken to a buyer in America who was satisfied with its quality and will take the entire crop produced.
Mr Matsvaire added: “The cost of production is relatively low at around US$400 per hectare. This is a game changer for farmers in Matabeleland South province while further capacity building efforts for Agritex officials is key for the success of the project.”
In line with the Government’s call of leaving no place and no one behind, the naturally air-cured tobacco seeds are produced by Kutsaga Research and meant for production in these marginal areas.
Online Reporter