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Tobacco farmers must diversify

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THE tobacco marketing season is upon us and many of our farmers will soon be heading to the tobacco auction floors.
Last season, a new payment system that saw farmers getting paid through bank accounts was introduced.
I hope the farmers are ready and that their accounts are active and that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) will again engage banks so that new farmers will also have favourable conditions which include waiving bank accounts maintenance charges and opening accounts with National ID and Grower’s Number only.
Last year, the first bale was bought at US$4,50/kg, higher than the US$3,50/kg of 2015, we hope that the price will be higher in 2017.
I encourage farmers to follow laid-down procedures of harvesting and curing the golden leaf.
Buyers of the commodity have cited poor harvesting and curing process as reasons for some of the crop fetching low prices on the market.
Beyond doubt, quality rather than quantity is paramount in tobacco production, thus farmers should ensure that their crop is not compromised.
And tobacco producers must now diversify and venture into other types of farming such as horticulture, apiculture and animal husbandry.
The rains that are falling not only present challenges but numerous opportunities as well.
Farmers can even construct ponds and venture into aquaculture, taking advantage of the rains that are falling across the country.
It is a good thing that agriculture has been made a compulsory subject in schools.
We are confident our agricultural ventures will not collapse as our children will grow up with an increased appreciation of agriculture.

Nelia Muvengwa, Domboshava

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