leeroy mupariri
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka has announced an extension for the deadline to destroy tobacco seedbeds from December 31 to January 15, 2025.
This decision responds to delayed rains and a prolonged dry spell, providing growers with additional time to transplant their crops and safeguard their investments.
The Plant Pests and Diseases (Tobacco) Regulations, 1979, mandate that all tobacco seedbeds be destroyed by December 31 to break the life cycle of pests and diseases that could affect tobacco plants.
However, many farmers relying on rain-fed dryland tobacco were unable to transplant in time due to erratic rains.
In light of these challenges, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has issued a statement.
“Considering these challenges, the decision ensures that farmers can preserve their investments and benefit from their months of hard work,” said the organisation.
This advocacy led to the extension of the deadline.
Tobacco production involves a detailed process that includes sowing seeds, maintaining a seedbed for three months, preparing land, and creating ridges for transplanting seedlings.
Destroying tobacco plants in seedbeds prevents farmers from transplanting, which can significantly impact their yield.
The recent December rains have brought relief and hope for dryland tobacco growers, marking a potential turning point for the 2024/25 season.
Statistics from TIMB indicates that as of 27 December 2024, growers had transplanted 84 661 hectares, surpassing the 82 392 hectares recorded during the same period in 2023.
Additionally, the number of registered growers has increased to 126 092, up from 112 904 last year. These figures reflect the industry’s resilience and growth, with a national target of 300 million kilograms of tobacco set for the season.
To ensure success this season, the focus remains on adopting climate-smart agriculture practices that enhance resilience against erratic weather patterns.
Tobacco growers are encouraged to control weeds to reduce competition for water, use potholes to capture rainfall and prevent runoff, and maintain proper ridges for efficient drainage.
Meanwhile, the harvesting of the early irrigated crop is underway, with reports indicating promising leaf quality in areas where good agronomic practices have been followed. Maintaining high-quality tobacco is crucial, and growers are encouraged to prioritise agronomy.
