THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has warned farmers against neglecting to destroy tobacco stalks after harvesting, saying the practice threatens future crops, increases production costs and endangers the quality of Zimbabwe’s golden leaf.
The tobacco marketing season reached its peak, with 266 million kilogrammes of tobacco worth more than US$673 million having been sold by May 21 this year.
In a statement yesterday, TIMB said leftover tobacco stalks acted as breeding grounds for pests, diseases, viruses and nematodes that survive between farming seasons and later attack new crops.
“Those leftover stalks become homes for pests, diseases, viruses and nematodes, as they allow these destructive organisms to survive from one season to another, waiting quietly for the next tobacco crop to emerge.
“This is why Zimbabwe, through the Plant Pests and Diseases Act [Chapter 19:08], requires every tobacco grower to destroy all tobacco stalks by 15 May every year,” the statement read.
TIMB also said proper stalk destruction created a “dead period” where no living tobacco plants remain in fields.
“This break interrupts the life cycle of pests and diseases and prevents them from carrying over into the next season. Failure to comply with this requirement is an offence and may attract a fine or imprisonment,” TIMB said.
The board further indicated that farmers who fail to destroy stalks often face difficult-to-control pests, increased use of agro-chemicals and higher production expenses.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“Some pests even become resistant to chemicals over time, forcing growers to increase dosages and buy more agro-chemicals just to achieve the same results.
“In an environment of subdued global tobacco prices and increasing production costs, every unnecessary expense eats into the farmer’s profits,” it said.
The board also said diseases such as Tobacco Mosaic Virus negatively affected the quality, texture and colour of tobacco leaves, reducing their value on the market.
“Tobacco with poor quality characteristics struggles to attract competitive prices on the market. Zimbabwe’s tobacco has earned international respect because of its quality, consistency and flavour profile; therefore, protecting that reputation begins in the field with good agricultural practices,” TIMB said.
The organisation urged farmers to practise crop rotation after stalk destruction.
“Farmers are also encouraged to practise crop rotation after stalk destruction, as it helps to naturally break pest and disease cycles, while improving soil health and nutrient balance.
“Better soils support better yields, better quality and ultimately better incomes,” the statement read.
