FDT Appeals to the Government to Recognise Tobacco as a Winter Crop.

Source from:  ZBC (zw) 06/07/2004

The Farmers Development Trust, (FDT), has appealed to the government to recognise tobacco as a winter crop and ensure that farmers get inputs timeously so as to produce to optimum levels. FDT Executive Director, Lovegot Tendengu, said, tobacco farmers are concerned that they are not receiving the same priority as their counterparts who grow wheat. Mr Tendengu said the tobacco season starts in June when farmers plant seeds in nurseries adding that in September farmers transplant seedlings to the field. He said farmers are failing to secure some of the chemicals required when sowing seeds as companies that manufacture them are concentrating on producing those used in growing wheat. Mr Tendengu urged the government to consider the contribution of tobacco to the national economy in comparison with other crops. He noted that the tobacco industry is a big employer of labour and it also earns the country much needed foreign currency. Mr Tendengu said former white commercial farmers derived their wealth from tobacco and new farmers can do the same should they be provided with the necessary assistance. Enditem