Stalk destruction deadline extended: Essential for disease control
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development under the Department of Research and Specialist Services, sends out annual reminders to all tobacco producers in Zimbabwe to destroy their tobacco stalks before the mandated date of May 15 of each season. This is essential for disease control. The deadline has been extended to…
A spotlight on issues critical to tobacco production with the Kutsaga Research Board circus meetings
A spotlight on issues critical to tobacco production with the Kutsaga Research Board circus meetingsThe Kutsaga Tobacco Research Board is hosting a series of meetings on subjects critical to the continued innovation and sustainable practices in the tobacco industry. Here’s a snapshot of what attendees can look forward to: Unveiling Current Research: An Overview by…
Kutsaga Executive Appointment
The Chairman and Board of Directors of the Tobacco Research Board (trading as Kutsaga) are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs. Rhoda Mavuka as the inaugural Executive Director of the Productionand Operations sector. This appointment is with effect from 02 April 2024. Mrs. Rhoda Mavuka is an experienced tobacco scientist who has worked at…
ITGA 2024 Americas Regional Meeting
ITGA 2024 Americas Regional Meeting discusses COP10 conclusions with a focus on Brazil Tobacco growers’ associations from Argentina, Brazil and the United States took part in the meeting hosted by Afubra, with a high level of participation from different entities in the tobacco supply chain
Tobacc sales kick off amidst concern for prices and grower viability
The 2024 marketing season has started after a difficult growing season. On Wednesday, 13 March, the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Hon. Gen. (rtd) Dr CGDN Chiwenga officiated at the event that marks the opening of the annual selling season. The first bale went for USD 4.92/kg but this ticket was reportedly “torn” with the seller…
ITGA Conclusions of WHO FCTC COP10
Lack of transparency, intimidation and pressure marked the WHO FCTC COP10 The tenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was an inflection point for many issues that the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA) has been voicing serious concerns for quite some…
Kutsaga Tobacco Field Discussion Day
Kutsaga extends an invitation to all tobacco growers to attend an enlightening and informative field discussion day at the Kutsaga Research Station. This event aims to bring together experts, scientists, and tobacco farmers to share insights, knowledge, and advancements in tobacco cultivation techniques.
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…
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…
Agronomy Notes – Achieving Yield 2015-16 season
The past season has been particularly difficult for most growers. Prices were static and yields static or down. This means therefore, that most people will be starting next season “on the back foot”. Often growers look for the “magical bullet” to improve their situation. This might be a new variety, fertilizer, a chemical, perhaps a…