Story by Tendai Munengwa
Harvesting and curing of the 2024/2025 irrigated tobacco crop has begun, with expectations high that country will hit the target of 300 million kilogrammes for the first time in history.
This is also evidenced by the bumper harvest of the golden leaf of high quality crop under irrigation.
Latest statistics by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) showed that farmers have surpassed last year’s hectarage and more can be planted under rain-fed agriculture if government extends the planting period for farmers.
TIMB board chair, Mr Patrick Devenish told the ZBC News, “From our assessment we produced a good crop though under difficult conditions at first. We are confident that we can achieve the 300 million kilos. Our plea is to the Minister of Agriculture to extend planting period to allow farmers who are yet to plant to do so.”
The ZBC News crew visited various farms and one farmer, Cde Edson Makina has put 80 hectares of tobacco and is expecting four tonnes of the golden leaf per hectare.
“We are satisfied about the production level that we achieved this season. As you can see the quality of the crop is one of the best despite the low rainfall we got,” Mr Makina said.
Another farmer, Steward Rickards, who has 140 hectares of the golden leaf has started harvesting and curing his irrigated crop in readiness for the open of the floors.
He said, “We faced challenges of water during planting but now with the return of the rains, we are good to produce the best crop, we are harvesting almost one hectare every day. And as you can see curing in progress. We are confident to hit this year’s target.”
Cde Bornwell Matongera had an interesting story.
“Nothing is impossible I had to think outside the box after my dam ran dry. I drilled six borehole and secured water from two – which I am pumping into a makeshift dam, and here are the results.”
Cde Matongera’s experience where planted 40 hectares of tobacco using water from borehole is typical one – and can be emulated as a lasting solution by other farmers to boost productivity in the face of climate change.
