Agriculture Reporter
In a bid to boost tobacco production across the country, Kutsaga Research has introduced an innovative fertiliser, Hydrofert, aimed at significantly improving yields from the current two tonnes per hectare to 4.5 tonnes.
This new fertiliser promises to provide tobacco farmers with healthy and robust seedlings, setting the stage for a more successful harvest.
Kutsaga, a leader in agricultural solutions, announced the launch of Hydrofert in a notice addressed to all tobacco growers, contractors, merchants, and agrochemical companies.
The fertiliser is part of Kutsaga's broader strategy to enhance tobacco farming efficiency and output.
“Kutsaga is proud to unveil its latest offering: Kutsaga Hydrofert. In addition to the well-known Kutsaga Floatfert, this new innovation is a soluble basal fertiliser specifically designed to help tobacco farmers achieve high yields by producing healthy seedlings,” the notice stated.
According to Kutsaga, Hydrofert's customised formulation, low salt index, and flexible application protocol make it an essential tool for cultivating robust tobacco seedlings, crucial for enhancing crop growth and increasing yields.
Kutsaga informed that both Kutsaga Hydrofert and Kutsaga Floatfert share the same chemical composition and nutrient supply, but Hydrofert is a soluble solid fertiliser, while Floatfert is in liquid form.
The convenience of Hydrofert is further highlighted by its packaging. Each packet contains three pre-measured doses, tailored for the three distinct application stages, thereby eliminating the need for farmers to measure quantities themselves and simplifying the application process.
Kutsaga also emphasised the importance of adopting good agronomic practices (GAP) for seedbeds to prevent phytotoxicity and promote the strong growth of tobacco seedlings.
The organisation urged farmers to consistently monitor seedlings for signs of pests and diseases and to implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to protect the plants effectively.
Kutsaga’s Public Relations and Communications Officer, Tatenda Mugabe, stressed the importance of regular checks on seedlings to identify early signs of pest infestations or disease symptoms.
"Schedule regular checks of your seedlings to identify any early signs of pest infestations or disease symptoms. Look for discoloured leaves, wilting, or unusual spots, which can indicate underlying issues," said Mugabe.
He further noted that a well-structured spray programme is vital for safeguarding tobacco seedbeds from pests and diseases.
Kutsaga's latest efforts underscore the commitment to bolstering the country’s tobacco production through innovative solutions and improved agricultural practices.
By equipping farmers with the tools needed to produce healthier seedlings and achieve higher yields, Kutsaga aims to strengthen the tobacco sector's contribution to Zimbabwe’s economy.
