Story by Peter Chivhima
THE tobacco planting season is officially underway, with commercial farmers across the country targeting to consolidate the success which saw one of the country’s top currency earners breaking records.
In the just-ended tobacco marketing season, over three hundred and fifty million kilogrammes of tobacco were sold, generating more than US$1 billion.
Riding on that momentum, farmers have started transplanting seedlings, confident of surpassing last season’s output.
A farmer, Mr Ephraim Pasipanodya of Mashonaland West province, is targeting over 200 hectares of tobacco under irrigation this season.
“Last year, I achieved a good yield and this year I am anticipating more as I am targeting over 200 hectares under irrigation. The focus is on producing top-quality leaf so that we get better prices on the market,” he said.
Fellow commercial farmers, Mr Nyozerani Mutambarika and Mr Douglas Tarusarira, who also recorded impressive yields last season, expressed gratitude for the government’s continued support as they prepare for another bountiful harvest.
“We are grateful for the government’s support. The systems in place have made it conducive for production, and with continued assistance, we are confident this season will be even better,” Mr Mutambarika said.
“Last season’s success was largely due to timely input support and proper agronomic practices. With the same approach, we are expecting an even more fruitful season this year,” Mr Tarusarira noted.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association Chairperson, Mr George Seremwe confirmed the sector’s readiness to deliver.
“As farmers, we are much prepared for this season and many have already started planting. We are targeting to surpass the hectarage planted last season. We are also grateful for the support we are getting from the government, but we appeal for more assistance in water and electricity supply for irrigation.”
Tobacco remains a key driver of Zimbabwe’s economy, with the golden leaf accounting for over US$900 million annually in exports.
