Tobacco farming in Zimbabwe is a tale of resilience, innovation, and economic significance. Despite the challenges faced by farmers, the industry has managed to thrive, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. The journey from seed to smoke is a fascinating one, filled with intricate processes and dedicated individuals. From the introduction of drought-resistant varieties to the implementation of sustainable farming practices, Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry is a testament to the country’s agricultural prowess. Join us as we delve into this captivating journey, exploring the secrets behind Zimbabwe’s ‘Green Gold’.
Early Beginnings
The story of tobacco in Zimbabwe dates back to the early 20th century when the crop was introduced as a cash crop. Over the years, the industry has grown, with the country now being one of the top tobacco producers globally.
The Tobacco Boom
The real boom in Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry came in the late 20th century. The government’s land reform program, which saw the redistribution of land to small-scale farmers, significantly boosted tobacco production.
Seed Selection and Planting
The process of growing tobacco starts with the selection of high-quality seeds. These seeds are then planted in seedbeds before being transplanted to the fields.
Growth and Maintenance
Tobacco plants require careful maintenance. Farmers must regularly water, weed, and apply fertilizers to ensure healthy growth.
Harvesting and Curing
Once the leaves have matured, they are harvested and then cured. The curing process, which involves drying the leaves to bring out their flavor, is a critical step in tobacco production.
Revenue Generation
Tobacco plays a significant role in Zimbabwe’s economy. It is one of the country’s top foreign currency earners, contributing significantly to the national revenue.
Employment Opportunities
The tobacco industry also provides employment opportunities for thousands of Zimbabweans, both directly and indirectly.
Climate Change and Drought
Despite its success, the tobacco industry faces several challenges. Climate change and frequent droughts pose a significant threat to tobacco production.
Market Fluctuations
Market fluctuations also present a challenge. Changes in global tobacco prices can significantly impact the income of tobacco farmers.
What are the ideal growing conditions for tobacco in Zimbabwe?
The ideal growing conditions for tobacco in Zimbabwe are as follows:
- Climate: Tobacco requires a frost-free period of 90 to 120 days from transplanting to the last harvest of leaves. The optimum mean daily temperature for growth is between 20 and 30.C. A dry period is required for ripening and harvest of the leaves. Excess rainfall results in thin, lightweight leaves .
- Soil: A light, sandy soil is required for flue-cured, light tobacco. Air-cured, dark tobacco is grown on silty loam to clay loam soils, while fire-cured and air-cured, light tobacco is mostly grown on medium textured soils. The crop is sensitive to waterlogging and demands well-aerated and drained soils. The optimum pH ranges from 5 to 6.5. Quality of the leaves is affected by soil salinity .
- Irrigation and Fertilization: Irrigation practices together with cultivation practices, e.g. topping, and soil fertility affect leaf quality. In Zimbabwe, tobacco is grown under irrigation (September planting) or as a dry-land, rainfed crop (October December) . Boron is essential on Zimbabwe soils for tobacco. A deep plough and good land preparation are essential for maximum yield and quality .
- Varieties: Three main types of tobacco are grown in Zimbabwe, namely flue-cured, burley and oriental tobacco. Of these, flue-cured is by far the most important and is generally produced in the better rainfall areas to the north and east of Harare .
- Planting Techniques: Transplanting of tobacco to achieve a good crop stand is an important exercise which ultimately determines crop growth, development and yield .
What are the different stages of tobacco cultivation in Zimbabwe?
The different stages of tobacco cultivation in Zimbabwe are as follows:
Soil Preparation
The first step in tobacco cultivation is soil preparation. This involves ploughing the land 30-60 days before transplantation. Ridging is carried out according to ridge height 38-42cm and ridge top width 30-45cm. The ridge bodies are full in plate tile shape or trapezoid, and the ridge spacing is 115-125cm .
Transplantation
After soil preparation, the next step is transplantation. This involves moving the young tobacco plants from the seedbeds to the main field. The transplantation process is crucial as it ultimately determines the crop’s growth, development, and yield .
Fertilizer Application
After transplantation, fertilizer is applied to the field. The N:P:K ratio of the fertilizing is 1:1.4:3. This step is crucial for the growth and development of the tobacco plants .
Field Management
Field management involves the regular maintenance of the tobacco plants. This includes activities such as watering, weeding, and topping. Field management is crucial for ensuring the health and productivity of the tobacco plants .
Harvest
The final stage of tobacco cultivation is the harvest. Harvesting involves several harvests from top to bottom, with 4-6 top tobacco leaves being harvested when they are ripe .
What are the most common pests and diseases that affect tobacco plants in Zimbabwe?
The most common pests and diseases that affect tobacco plants in Zimbabwe include:
Pests:
- Tobacco Aphids: Red and green aphid types are common on tobacco in Zimbabwe. They transmit several viral diseases such as bushy-top virus, potato virus Y, and alfalfa mosaic virus which reduce the weight and shrink the leaves, reduce growth of the plant and if nothing is done timely, ultimately the plant dies .
- Broomrape: Broomrape is a complete root parasite which lacks chlorophyll and conspicuous leaves. Generally, the weed shoots emerge near the tobacco plants in a cluster and their roots attach to tobacco roots to extract nutrients and water. The infested plants become weak, stunted with pale leaves. Eventually, the whole plant may wilt .
- Insect Pests: Common insect pests are green June beetle larvae, cutworms, and flea beetles in the plant bed and hornworms, grasshoppers, flea beetles, cutworms, budworms, and aphids in the field. The cigarette, or tobacco, beetle damages the stored leaf and sometimes the manufactured product .
- Nematodes: Nematodes, also known as eelworms or roundworms, are another common pest affecting tobacco plants in Zimbabwe .
Diseases:
- Fungal Diseases: The most common fungal species isolated was the pathogen, R. oryzae. During the curing process, many pathogens can attack the plant causing lesions and rots of tobacco leaves, including bacteria such as Erwinia carotovora and Bacillus polymyxa, and fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Cladosporium .
- Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Frogeye, and White Mould: The first tobacco diseases in Rhodesia were Tobacco mosaic virus, Frogeye, and White mould. There was no known chemical control for these early diseases except pruning off the affected leaves .
- Leaf Curl Disease: The tobacco leaf curl disease was first described in Tanzania in the early 1930s, in which infected tobacco plants were severely crinkled, curled, and dwarfed .
- Other Diseases: Other common diseases include black root rot, Fusarium wilt, bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew, black shank, broomrape, and witchweed .
Technological Advancements
Looking ahead, technological advancements are set to play a key role in the future of Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry. Innovations in farming techniques and machinery can help increase production and efficiency.
Sustainable Farming Practices
Sustainable farming practices are also becoming increasingly important. As the world moves towards more sustainable agricultural practices, the tobacco industry must adapt to remain competitive.
Conclusion
Tobacco farming in Zimbabwe is a complex yet rewarding industry. Despite the challenges it faces, the industry continues to thrive, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. With the right strategies and innovations, the future of tobacco in Zimbabwe looks promising.
Statistics:
Zimbabwe’s tobacco production is expected to rise 8.5% year-on-year to 230 million kg in 2023. Tobacco is one of the biggest export earners in Zimbabwe, which aims to increase production to 300 million kg by 2025. Its output peaked at 261 million kg in 2019. The sector contributes nearly $1 billion to export earnings every year. Tobacco land use grew to 117,000 hectares this year from 110,000 hectares in 2022, according to the TIMB. The industry also saw an increase in the number of tobacco farmers to 148,527 this year from 123,000 in 2022 .
FAQs:
- Who are the main producers of tobacco in Zimbabwe? The main producers of tobacco in Zimbabwe are smallholder farmers, supported by both the government and the tobacco companies .
- What is the annual tobacco production in Zimbabwe? The annual tobacco production in Zimbabwe is expected to rise to 230 million kg in 2023 .
- When is the tobacco harvesting season in Zimbabwe? The tobacco harvesting season in Zimbabwe is between December and January .
- How does tobacco contribute to Zimbabwe’s economy? Tobacco is one of the biggest export earners in Zimbabwe, contributing nearly $1 billion to export earnings every year .
- How has the number of tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe changed over the years? The number of tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe has increased to 148,527 this year from 123,000 in 2022 .
- What is the future of tobacco production in Zimbabwe? Zimbabwe aims to increase tobacco production to 300 million kg by 2025 .
- What challenges does the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe face? The tobacco industry in Zimbabwe faces challenges such as climate change, frequent droughts, and market fluctuations .
- How has the land use for tobacco farming in Zimbabwe changed? Tobacco land use grew to 117,000 hectares this year from 110,000 hectares in 2022 .
- What is the impact of tobacco farming on the welfare of farmers in Zimbabwe? While tobacco farming is claimed to be lucrative and has the potential to greatly improve the welfare of the farmers, a majority of them are unhappy with the returns that they get from producing tobacco .
- What is the peak output of tobacco in Zimbabwe? The peak output of tobacco in Zimbabwe was 261 million kg in 2019 .
Books:
- “A Most Promising Weed: A History of Tobacco Farming and Labor in Colonial Zimbabwe, 1890 1945” .
- “Effect of Leaf Priming Removal and Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Quality of Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum L.) in Zimbabwe” .
- “Zimbabwe tobacco agriculture” by SHAO YAN .
Sources of information:
- “Tobacco farming and current debt status among smallholder farmers in Manicaland province in Zimbabwe” https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/30/6/610.
- “Zimbabwe tobacco output expected to rise 8.5% in 2023 – Reuters” https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zimbabwe-tobacco-output-expected-rise-85-2023-2023-03-08/.
- “A Most Promising Weed: A History of Tobacco Farming and Labor in Colonial Zimbabwe, 1890 1945” https://www.amazon.com/Most-Promising-Weed-Colonial-1890-1945/dp/0896802035.
- “Effect of Leaf Priming Removal and Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Quality of Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum L.) in Zimbabwe” https://www.amazon.com/Improving-Tobacco-Yield-Quality-Fertilizer/dp/3659457132.
- “Zimbabwe tobacco agriculture” by SHAO YAN https://www.abebooks.com/Zimbabwe-tobacco-agriculture-SHAO-YAN-Science/5234677900/bd.
Citations:
- “Tobacco farming and current debt status among smallholder farmers in Manicaland province in Zimbabwe” https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/30/6/610.
- “Zimbabwe tobacco output expected to rise 8.5% in 2023 – Reuters” https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zimbabwe-tobacco-output-expected-rise-85-2023-2023-03-08/.
- “A Most Promising Weed: A History of Tobacco Farming and Labor in Colonial Zimbabwe, 1890 1945” https://www.amazon.com/Most-Promising-Weed-Colonial-1890-1945/dp/0896802035.
- “Effect of Leaf Priming Removal and Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Quality of Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum L.) in Zimbabwe” https://www.amazon.com/Improving-Tobacco-Yield-Quality-Fertilizer/dp/3659457132.
- “Zimbabwe tobacco agriculture” by SHAO YAN https://www.abebooks.com/Zimbabwe-tobacco-agriculture-SHAO-YAN-Science/5234677900/bd.