Staff Reporter
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister,Dr Anxious Masuka informed that, Kutsaga must evolve into Zimbabwe’s national hub for agricultural innovation, driving research not only in tobacco but also in alternative crops, value addition, and climate-smart technologies.
Speaking at the Kutsaga’s 75th Anniversary Research Symposium held at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, Dr Masuka said the institution’s role in the next 25 years would be to anchor the country’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan while also spearheading broader agricultural development.
“Kutsaga must become the national epicenter of research, development and innovation not only for tobacco, but also for alternatives, alternates and value-added products. This institution must define the future of Zimbabwe’s agricultural industrialisation,” Dr Masuka said.
He pointed out that the strategic vision includes driving climate-proofing efforts by developing drought-tolerant, heat-resistant and disease-resilient tobacco varieties, as well as advancing precision agriculture, water conservation methods, and sustainable soil management practices.
“The goal is not only to maintain our 300 million kilogrammes annual output but to achieve this with greater efficiency and resilience. Climate change is a reality and we must innovate to stay ahead,” said Dr Masuka.
As part of the sustainability drive, the Minister advised that Kutsaga would play a central role in promoting afforestation, fuel-efficient curing technologies such as solar-assisted barns, and integrated pest management to reduce chemical usage in line with international best practices.
He also emphasised the importance of diversifying into tobacco value addition and exploring new industrial uses for the crop, such as biochemicals, while promoting food security through the incorporation of alternative cash crops and livestock farming.
Dr Masuka posited that farmer empowerment remained a top priority, with digital technologies, enhanced extension services, and financial literacy training as essential elements to improving farmer productivity and income. He commended innovators such as Dr Humphrey Sambo of Modern Leaf AI for developing tools that are already being adopted under Kutsaga’s guidance.
“We must leverage technology to build a smarter, more inclusive farming community. The future belongs to farmers who are empowered by data, knowledge and modern tools,” he said.
Highlighting the need for continued market responsiveness as well asensuring global competitiveness, Dr Masuka stressed on the importance of maintaining Zimbabwe’s non-GMO status, its adherance to ethical labour practices, and meeting stringent international quality and traceability standards.
He said partnerships with academic institutions, notably the University of Zimbabwe, as well as private sector collaborations, would be crucial in sustaining research momentum.
“We must develop graduates whose certificates represent competence, not just academic completion. This is why Education 5.0 was introduced—to produce innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers who can drive agricultural transformation,” said Dr Masuka.
He commended Kutsaga for its 75-year journey of scientific excellence, which has positioned Zimbabwe as a world leader in tobacco research. He said the launch of new climate-resilient tobacco varieties this year was proof that the institution remained ready to meet future challenges.
“Our past achievements must propel us to redefine our ambitions. Kutsaga’s next 25 years should surpass all expectations,” Dr Masuka said.
The symposium, themed “75 Years of Excellence: Honouring Our Legacy, Innovating for a Sustainable Future in Tobacco Research,” brought together farmers, merchants, financial institutions, scientists, and international research bodies from Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia.
With Zimbabwe targeting a US$5 billion tobacco industry by 2025, Kutsaga’s transformation into a broader agricultural innovation hub is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving national development goals and improving rural livelihoods.
