Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
TOBACCO farmers in Guruve have launched the tree planting season with a major reforestation effort, planting 1 000 trees to support sustainable production and protect the forests that supply firewood for tobacco curing.
The initiative highlights a growing awareness within the sector of the need to balance economic gains with environmental responsibility.
“This is a good programme for us farmers because we rely on trees. Now we realise planting trees is important,” a tobacco farmer said.
“We need trees for furniture, oxygen, and many other issues, so it is good for us to meet like this, doing what we did,” another farmer added.
Producers of the golden leaf have been urged to take the initiative seriously as the industry is moving towards mandatory tree planting.
“As farmers, you must have your own places to plant trees. In future, you will no longer be able to grow tobacco without a woodlot. Trees are important. We can’t live without them, but they can live without us. At the same time, tobacco is important for our industry and last year produced 355 million kilogrammes,” Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo said.
The Forestry Commission reminded the community of the need to safeguard forests as a shared responsibility.
“We had a good day at Chiwe Primary School and planted 1 000 trees. We were led by a tobacco company and other partners, which showed that everyone has a role to play,” Mashonaland Central Provincial Manager Forestry Commission, Lucious Mujuru said.
The Forestry Commission is targeting 6.9 million trees in Mashonaland Central, with four million having been planted so far.
