Farmers gear for tobacco marketing season

TOBACCO farmers in Makonde and Hurungwe districts in Mashonaland West Province are geared for the tobacco marketing season, which begins today.

A snap survey by The Herald in the two districts indicate that farmers are finalising preparations to sell their crop in Harare.

Most farmers believe that they will be able to access cash if they deliver their crop early.

“We heard through the radio that we will be receiving $300 cash for every transaction and we fear that it might not be enough for everyone; hence, the decision to deliver our tobacco early,” said Mr Matthew Takawira from Nyawenje area.

Achievers Leaf Tobacco chief agronomist Mr Tribus Mutematsaka said most farmers had started curing their tobacco, while others have already stacked up bales ahead of delivery.

“A lot of farmers have started curing their tobacco in preparation for this year’s marketing season and quite a number have taken their tobacco to Harare for marketing,” he said.

Though some farmers’ contracts stipulate that they should cure their crop using coal, most of them have been resorting to firewood to save costs.

Also, farmers say there is need for the establishment of auction floors in Mhangura to make it convenient for them.

“We have Interfresh infrastructure and some warehouse at the now decommissioned mine lying idle. Government should chip in to make sure that they are put to use to decentralise tobacco buying, as was done in Karoi.

“A lot of farmers in Doma and Mhangura are now into tobacco farming; so there is need to consider the move,” said a Mhangura tobacco farmer.

Mashonaland Tobacco Company has an auction floor in Karoi, which has also been welcomed by farmers from Hurungwe.

Government continues to support tobacco farmers as the golden leaf is one of the biggest contributors of foreign currency.

Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chairperson Mrs Monica Chinamasa recently said Government, through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, will inject $70 million to assist small-scale tobacco growers. MHONDORO-Ngezi Rural District Council (RDC) has become one of the first local authorities in Mashonaland West Province to meet its 100-day targets.

The completed projects include the construction of a $350 000 Gwezane Bridge, construction of Gweshe Clinic in Ward 16 ($55 000) and the installation of a $92 000 sewer line connecting 71 commercial stands.

The local authority also constructed a 60-metre footbridge near Turf Primary School and began a $13 000 gum treatment plant.

While showcasing the projects to provincial administrator Cecilia Chitiyo,