THE harvesting and curing of tobacco is already underway as farmers intensify preparations for the 2018 marketing season.
Traditionally, the marketing of tobacco starts in February; however, past seasons have been starting in March.
The tobacco cycle starts in June when farmers prepare their seedbeds; in September planting begins, mainly for farmers who irrigate their crop, and runs to selling of the crop in February.
Most people have taken up tobacco production, given its lucrative returns.
This season, the number of new growers increased from 14 841 last season to 33 307.
Farmers have been urged to follow the correct procedure in curing and baling tobacco to maintain the quality of the crop and ensure it fetches favourable prices at the floors.
Zimbabwe Progressive Tobacco Farmers’ Association president Mutandwa Mutasa said farmers had a role to play in ensuring their crop is of a top grade.
“A quality tobacco leaf is long, soft to the touch and it should be orange or lemon in colour,” he said.
“All these attributes show that efforts were made by the farmer to put adequate fertiliser, and also that the crop was properly cured.”
Most farmers rely on firewood to cure tobacco, citing that the cost of coal is not affordable.
The process of curing tobacco takes seven days.
Mutasa said farmers should ensure the crop is cured at the recommended temperatures, depending on the stages of the curing process.
After curing the tobacco, the golden leaf is stored and then graded.
“Farmers should ensure the crop is stored under the correct temperatures,” said Mutasa.
“When high humidity is experienced, growers should ensure tobacco is in good keeping condition and not over-conditioned as this may lead to mould.”
Once the crop is graded, it is then baled.
“Grease from the baling box screw should not come in contact with the tobacco,” advised Mutasa.
“Tobacco for sale should not be transported together with diesel or any other fuel as this may contaminate the tobacco.
“Any tobacco that is contaminated with fuel will be withdrawn from sale.”