Elton Manguwo
GOVERNMENT’S call for tobacco value addition is bearing fruit with a local company African Extracts Limited looking to process tobacco scrap into fertiliser and agricultural chemicals, a development that will boost farmers’ earnings from the golden leaf.
In an interview with The Herald African Extracts chief executive officer Mr Sunny Singh said they process tobacco waste by extracting crude nicotine, which is used in multiple industries with further processing liberating products such as organic fertiliser and other agricultural inputs.
“By doing so using our cutting edge technology, we turn tobacco waste into a valuable resource and in turn boost earnings for farmers, as they will be able to derive more value from the entirety of the tobacco crop rather than just from the marketable leaf,” said Mr Singh.
Once nicotine is extracted the waste, will then be much safer to be used as manure or converted into organic fertiliser.
“We understand the negative impact and complexities disposing such waste has on the soil and environment,” said Mr Singh.
African Extracts is an expert in handling extraction processes for various agricultural products specialising in the collection, processing and disposal of waste generated from the tobacco industry.
“Through further processing, we will produce organic soil conditioners, pesticides and other agricultural inputs contributing to sustainable agricultural practices,” said Mr Singh.
The million-dollar project, which is set to start production in the first week of August 2024 will bring the much needed foreign direct investment (FDI) and create jobs to compliment the Government’s economic turn-around efforts in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The tobacco industry is undergoing transformation driven by evolving regulatory frameworks and increasing demands for sustainable practices.
The development will enable tobacco processors to reduce their carbon footprint and demonstrate commitment to sustainability, which can positively influence their brand image.
“We could see the challenges being faced by the tobacco processers in disposing their waste in an eco-friendly manner therefore our technology and production processes facilitates for a non-hazardous way of disposing tobacco waste,” said Mr Singh.
Recently the cabinet approved and adopted the update report on the tobacco value chain transformation strategy which was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka.
The Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan (TVCTP) aims to capture more value from the tobacco industry through value addition.
“There are opportunities to increase the level of value addition and beneficiation of tobacco,” said the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) chief executive officer Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire highlighting that given the progress made in increasing volumes, the sector was now turning its attention to value addition.