Gutu North Ventures into Irrigated Tobacco

Source from:  herald.co.zw Business Reporter 08/08/2007

PLANTING of the maiden irrigated tobacco in Gutu North is set to commence next month with nearly 200 hectares of the targeted 1 200 hectares already prepared. The move is expected to increase agricultural production in the area that mainly produced maize and sorghum. The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has targeted 60 000 hectares although farmers have pledged to increase the total hectarage to 100 000 hectares of land under tobacco for the 2007/08 season. Speaking to the Herald Business this week, Gutu North legislator Mr Lovemore Matuke said 200 hectares had been earmarked for tobacco farming in the area for the 2007/08 farming season. He noted: "Planting of the irrigated tobacco will start next month with the necessary groundwork already covered. "A group of selected farmers who want to engage in tobacco farming have re- ceived tractors and other agricultural equipment. "Tobacco farmers have received equipment under the ambitious programme, targeting to complement production taking place elsewhere in the country." More than 80 farmers have since been identified in the former commercial farming areas of Eastdale, and Zoma for the programme run by Farmers' World. Other areas being targeted are Chehasha and Munjanganja irrigation schemes. So far nine farmers had received tractors and disc harrows from Farmers' World. "Our overall aim is to avail more tractors and other related equipment to more than 80 farmers so that the constituency is fully mechanised and geared for tobacco production. "This programme to start tobacco production in Gutu North has been on the cards for the past five years and we are geared to grow a unique type of the crop," said Mr Matuke. He urged tobacco farmers to utilise their land efficiently to enhance production capacity in the agricultural sector and earn the country the much-needed foreign currency. Tobacco accounts for more than 30 percent of the country's total foreign currency earnings. Mr Matuke said: "Farmers should understand that our economy is centred on agriculture, so it is the responsibility of its citizens to help grow the economy through farming." He noted that, of late, Gutu has been involved in maize production, millet, rapoko and sorghum, so farmers should be proud to engage into cash crop farming. Seedlings are already in place, waiting to be transplanted and some are still germinating. He urged tobacco farmers to work closely with the Department of Agricultural Research and Extension Services to ensure viability of tobacco production in the area. An expected 80 million kg of the "golden leaf" is expected to go under the hammer during this year's tobacco selling season which is due to end next month. Enditem