Harvesting of irrigated tobacco begins

Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Harvesting of the early planted tobacco crop has started in various regions, and farmers are optimistic about achieving their annual target of 300 million kg.
Reports indicate that the crop is generally in good condition, with some small-scale farmers still planting.
Tobacco Farmers Union Trust president Mr Edward Dune confirmed that most farmers using irrigation have begun reaping their crop.
However, he cautioned that this year’s leaf is compromised in terms of weight due to recent challenges.
“Harvesting is going on well. We expect the marketing season to commence early,” said Mr Dune.
“We faced issues where farmers had to replant seedlings lost to a heatwave that affected the country. If we continue receiving rains, we remain positive about meeting our annual target.”.
Additionally, Mr Dune noted a significant migration of labour to tobacco farms, particularly in dry areas like Binga and Muzarabani, where families are seeking sustenance.
In a related development, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka has extended the deadline for destroying tobacco seedbeds to January 15, 2025.
The Plant Pests and Diseases (Tobacco) Regulations, 1979 typically mandate destruction of seedbeds by December 31to disrupt pest life cycles.
However, due to a prolonged dry spell, farmers relying on rain-fed tobacco could not transplant in time.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) advocated for this extension to help farmers preserve their investments and reap the benefits of their hard work.
The December rains have brought relief and optimism for dryland tobacco growers, marking a turning point for the 2024/25 season.
According to TIMB statistics, as of 27 December 2024, growers had transplanted 84 661 hectares, surpassing the 82 392 hectares recorded during the same period in 2023.
Furthermore, 126 092 growers have been registered this year, compared to 112 904 last year, underscoring the industry’s resilience and growth.
TIMB reports promising leaf quality in areas where good agronomic practices are followed, emphasising that maintaining high-quality tobacco is critical for reducing post-harvest losses.
“With efforts to ensure fair competition to secure better prices for farmers, proper tobacco handling and storage are also essential,” said TIMB in a statement.
On January 2025, TIMB will begin a Crop Assessment Exercise to evaluate the status of the main dryland crop, including growth stages and late dryland establishments.