Sinokubonga Nkala
Yolanda Mlilo, Sunday News Reporter
THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has introduced a climate-smart agriculture initiative aimed at helping tobacco farmers adapt to climate change, promote sustainable water management, and combat soil degradation.
A key sector in Zimbabwe’s economy, tobacco farming is increasingly threatened by climate change, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and more frequent extreme weather events impacting crop yields, quality, and the livelihoods of farmers.
In response, TIMB is implementing practices that support sustainability and working with farmers, contractors, and partners to create a more resilient and sustainable future for the tobacco industry.
In an interview with Sunday News Business, the TIMB public relations officer, Mrs Chelesani Tsarwe, echoed the need for tobacco farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture.
“The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) advises farmers to practice climate-smart agriculture by irrigating moisture-stressed tobacco, implementing timely weed control to reduce water competition, and using tied ridging or potholing techniques to capture rainfall and reduce runoff,” she said.
The practices help conserve water, enhance soil moisture retention, and protect crops against erratic weather patterns.
“TIMB supports farmers by providing technical training, organising capacity-building workshops, and hosting field days to educate farmers on the benefits of climate-smart practices,” said Mrs Tsarwe.
“It also partners with organisations like the Forestry Commission and the Sustainable Afforestation Association through initiatives like the Tobacco Wood Energy Programme (TWEP).”
Through the TWEP, trees are planted for future curing purposes.
“Under these programmes, smallholder farmers have planted over 600 hectares of fast-growing trees, which will serve as sustainable curing fuel in the future. In addition, TIMB requires tobacco contractors to provide growers with sustainably sourced curing fuel, such as wood and coal, to reduce reliance on natural forests,” said Mrs Tsarwe.
The TIMB spokesperson further urged farmers to invest in irrigation infrastructure and rain water harvesting in order to promote sustainable water management.
“TIMB promotes sustainable water management by encouraging investments in irrigation infrastructure and advocating for rainwater harvesting methods such as potholing and conservation basins.
“As TIMB we are also addressing soil degradation by promoting practices like crop rotation to prevent nutrient depletion and soil testing to guide farmers in applying the right fertilisers and soil amendments,” said Mrs Tsarwe.
She further encouraged agroforestry initiatives to prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure, contributing to long-term soil health and sustainability.
“TIMB values the role of accurate and timely climate information in supporting farmers,” she said.
The board collaborates with the Meteorological Department and Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), formerly AGRITEX, to deliver weather forecasts and early warning alerts to farmers through field officers and social media platforms.
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