The ManicaPost
Farming Reporter
TOBACCO farmers in Makoni District are stepping up land preparations for the irrigated crop and are set to transplant the seedlings early next month.
However, a few farmers are still destalking their fields.
In an interview, Headlands Agritex officer Ms Loveness Bandure said farmers can start transplanting the seedlings once they have hardened in order to prepare them for the anticipated harsh field conditions.
“Tobacco farming thrives in Headlands and most farmers, including commercial and A2 farmers, have prepared seedbeds. Among these are some doing the conventional way and others having float trays as an option of seedling production.
“From these nurseries, we we are expecting them to start transplanting irrigated tobacco seedlings by early September after they harden,” she said.
Ms Bandure added that the establishment of nurseries for the dryland crop is in progress.
Tobacco farming is one of the most lucrative ventures in Manicaland that is enhancing the livelihoods of many rural households.
