SEPTEMBER 1 is the regulated date for farmers who irrigate their crop to start transplanting seedlings from seedbeds to the fields as the summer cropping season gathers momentum.
Those who depend on rainfall continue to manage seedbeds and nurseries waiting for the onset of rains.
The tobacco cycle starts in June when farmers prepare their seedbeds, while in September planting begins mainly for farmers who irrigate their crop and runs to selling of the crop in February.
It takes an average of 90 days before the crop matures.
Harvesting starts in December while marketing begins in February.
According to tobacco production regulations, stalks from the previous season must be destroyed before May 15, while establishment of seed beds must only be done after June 1.
Failure to destroy stalks in time poses a major threat from diseases and pests.
Zimbabwe Progressive Tobacco Farmers Association president, Mutandwa Mutasa, said farmers by now should have removed stalks, started land as well as seedbed preparation.
“There are farmers who are still selling their crop from last season,” said Mutasa, adding, “But preparations for next season are already underway.
“Growers are urged to adhere to the Plant Pests and Diseases Act that governs the production of good quality tobacco.”
Mutasa said farmers had to adhere to the stipulated date and start transplanting.
“By June, most farmers had already prepared seedbeds and those who irrigate their crop can now start transplanting,” he said.
“We are looking forward to a good season provided that we receive adequate rains in time.
“Farmers can now start transplanting their seedlings while those going for the rain-fed crop are still under seedling stage and will transplant with the onset of rains.”
Some farmers have urged Government to review the gazetted irrigated tobacco planting dates as they no longer conform to prevailing weather patterns which have been affected by climate change.
“The dates are meant to break the life cycles of pests to reduce the crop damaged by pests. The date is just the earliest date for planting ,hence growers can also grow beyond that date,” he said.
Agriculture experts said the floating tray system was ideal when preparing seedbeds as chemicals did not get into the soil.
In addition, the floating tray system guarantees superior seedlings that are uniform in size. Tobacco experts say the floating tray system produces better yields than the conventional seedbed.
Before the 2009/2010 summer season, preparing conventional seedbeds involved the use of chemicals such as ethylene dibromide and methyl bromide, which were not environment friendly.
The chemicals, which have since been phased out and replaced were used to curb nematodes. The cut off date for TRB to sell seeds is September 15.
Mutasa urged farmers to continue acquiring skills in order to produce a quality crop.
Most of the new farmers lack adequate production as well as marketing skills and this has reduced the quality/quantity of the cash crop.
Stakeholders have put in place strategies to help enhance the knowledge of farmers on the production of the crop.
“It seems there is still a lot of work to be done in educating the new growers,” said Mutasa.
“There are cases of a large volume of bales being rejected at the auction floors hence the need for farmers to learn more.”
Most resettled farmers have ventured into tobacco production which used to be a preserve of the white minority farmers.
Mutasa said the increased number of tobacco growers was a positive step.
“More farmers will this season be venturing in tobacco production and this is mainly because of how well the crop performed on the market last season and the appreciation of the crop by resettled farmers,” he said
He urged financial institutions to support the tobacco industry as it was poised for growth.
“With what is transpiring on the ground, the sector has potential to continue to grow, hence there is need for stakeholders to support the growers,” Mutasa said.
Tobacco, the country’s golden leaf, remains the highest foreign currency earner in Zimbabwe. According to a study by BDO Zimbabwe Chartered Accountants, local tobacco production trails behind China, Brazil, India and the US.
Locally produced tobacco remains in demand because of its unique flavour and is mostly used for blending.
Mutasa said farmers should take advantage of the demand for locally produced tobacco.
“Our tobacco will always have a market,” he said.
“It is important that farmers look at how they can benefit from producing the crop beyond the off loading bay. Of late, farmers have been crying foul over the prices offered by buyers. As we move to improve on quality, we should also be thinking of how we can value add the leaf.”