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Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter

The tobacco planting season has started with farmers expressing optimism about a good season.

Planting of the irrigated tobacco crop started over the weekend and is ongoing. The majority of irrigated tobacco is grown by

contracted growers who usually get their inputs timely.

Rain-fed tobacco will be grown later with the bulk expected to be planted in late October to early December depending on the

region in which the farmer is allocated.

September 1 is the earliest legislative date for transplanting tobacco from the seedbed to the field.

Tobacco Farmers Union Trust (TFUT) president Mr Victor Mariranyika confirmed that the season has started and commercial

farmers are currently in the fields planting the crop.

“We have high hopes this season following the weather forecast of Lanina so farmers are in the fields but those waiting for the

rains are managing their seedbeds,” he said.

Mr Mariranyika said the majority of farmers have shown strong commitment this season adding that farmers will work hard to

enhance their yields this season.

Statistics from Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) indicate that 231 472 861 kg worth US$793 182 032 was sold

this season compared to 295 941 911 kg worth US$896 381 937.

A survey recently carried out by the Herald indicates that the majority of farmers earned more compared to the previous

season.

This helped them to prepare adequately for another season.

Ms Paidamoyo Nyamundiro of Karoi said although last season’s crop was affected, she managed to produce 20 bales compared

to 30 bales last year in the same area.

She said all her children are in boarding schools because of tobacco farming.

“Tobacco farming can totally transform people’s lives. I have two girls and two boys who are in boarding schools,” she said.

“Farming can reward well if taken seriously. It is now been almost 10 years in this business. This year our crop was seriously

affected by EL Nino but we managed to harvest although we failed to meet the expected target. The prices were better this

season.”.

Mrs Angellah Makuzva of Hurungwe said tobacco farming has minimised gender-based violence adding that the majority of

women were empowered through farming.

“The majority of women are doing well in tobacco farming. Empowerment of women is critical because we also contribute a lot

to our families,” she said.

Mr Taurai Bvunzawabaya of Banket said this season he only produced 30 bales adding that next season he wants to do better.

“I have procured inputs from the money that l got after selling my tobacco. I do not want to be contracted anymore,” he said.

“Next season I will get all my money without deductions. This is my eighth year in tobacco farming. I have acquired all my

wealth from farming. I have a nice house in Banket, and another in Marondera.

“I have two wives who will help me in my tobacco farming. What I can say is tobacco farming is improving our lives as a

family.”