Tobacco farmers in quandary

10 Apr, 2020 - 00:04 0 Views
Tobacco farmers in quandary The sale of the golden leaf is likely to be affected by the global COVID-19 lockdown

The ManicaPost

Wimbainashe Zhakata Farming Correspondent
DRYLAND tobacco growers in Manicaland are almost 85 percent through with harvesting, but will have to wait a little longer for the commencement of the 2020 marketing season, which has been deferred due to the ongoing 21-day Covid-19 lockdown.

The tobacco marketing season usually begins at the end of March but the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) recently announced the postponement of the 2020 season.

Tobacco auction floors are often congested as buyers and farmers from across the country converge there. Others spend days there before their bales are sold and payment is processed.

Agronomists in the province have said the global lockdown will negatively affect the sale of the golden leaf.

Tobacco specialist with Agritex Mr Douglas Nzarayebani told The Manica Post that tobacco growers were winding up harvesting, but will endure an unprecedented waiting period until the local auction floors open their doors to the public.

“About 85 percent of the crop has been harvested in all parts of the province, but the Covid-19 lockdown will likely negatively affect tobacco sales since tobacco is grown for export.

“As we speak, tobacco growers are almost through with reaping, curing and conditioning while others are grading in anticipation of the opening of auction floors when the pandemic has been contained,” said Mr Nzarayebani.

He urged tobacco growers to avoid mixing different leaf grades during grading, and to practise good hygiene.

“Grading should be done on clean floors to avoid trash. Also, separating different grades when grading is very important,” he said.

Meanwhile, farmers from across the province have started harvesting their cereal crops.

Agritex official Mr Cephas Mlambo said crops in regions four and five were not in good condition due to moisture stress. However, those in regions one and two did much better.

“Some farmers have started harvesting the summer crop. The bulk of the cereal crops are at the hard dough stage. The crop is very poor in natural regions four and five due to severe moisture deficit. The crop is relatively fair in Manicaland’s natural regions one, two and three.

“The planting of sugar beans at smallholder irrigation schemes is progressing well,” he also revealed.

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