ZTA members receive gum tree seedlings from Forestry Commission

In a significant move towards boosting sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly tobacco curing practices, the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe (FCZ) in the Madziwa area, Mashonaland Central, recently handed over 10,000 gum tree seedlings to local ZTA tobacco farmer members. This initiative is a part of a broader ongoing effort to promote environmentally responsible tobacco curing methods…

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Climate-smart practices to mitigate tobacco yield losses in a drought year

By Dr S. Dimbi and Dr F. Magama The current weather forecasts indicate a transition into an El Niño state in the second half of 2023 and Zimbabwe is among the countries at risk of dry conditions. Considering the significant impact that water stress has on agricultural production, this article is aimed at highlighting cultural…

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Finding a local solution for deforestation

Research into finding sustainable curing fuels for tobacco is being undertaken by the University of Zimbabwe’s Industrial Engineering and Mechatronics department. They have been working on the development of a furnace and stoker designed to burn maize cobs to provide supplementary heating needed for tobacco curing. This may be crucial for mitigating the environmental impact…

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