Staff Reporter
Kutsaga Research Station is intensifying efforts to boost Zimbabwe’s agricultural productivity by developing drought-resistant and climate-smart tobacco seed varieties, in line with the country’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan.
The plan aims to produce 300 million kilogrammes of high-quality tobacco leaf and transform the tobacco sector into a US$5 billion industry by 2025.
Speaking to The Harare Post recently, Kutsaga CEO Dr. Frank Magama emphasised the station’s commitment to supporting sustainable tobacco production through advanced seed development.
“We are producing seeds that meet international standards. The seeds we produce are suitable for both domestic and international markets. We are working towards attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. The US$5 billion target is achievable. Kutsaga has been making efforts to boost agricultural production by producing drought-resistant crops suitable for different climatic regions,” said Dr. Magama.
He noted that the tobacco industry was anchored on the production of seed varieties that are adapted to specific climate conditions.
“We are developing climate-smart varieties targeting farmers in arid regions such as Masvingo, Midlands, and Matabeleland. Kutsaga is focused on creating a resilient tobacco farming system capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change,” he added.
Dr. Magama also raised concerns over the sale of substandard seeds, which he said threatens the integrity of the sector.
“We are seeing a bit of indiscipline in the tobacco industry regarding the sale and production of tobacco using illegal varieties. We are aware of a variety called Kamuzambia being used by smallholder growers. This is not good for our industry; in fact, it is tantamount to sabotaging a thriving tobacco sector. The industry is anchored on the production of varieties that are suited to our conditions, those that offer the best yield and quality. Our international market is very sensitive to the quality and origin of tobacco. When buyers come to Zimbabwe, they are looking for our unique flavour-style tobacco, which only comes from varieties approved by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, Board,” said Dr. Magama.
Head of Genetics, Biotechnology, and Bio-innovations at Kutsaga, Francis Mukoyi, echoed the CEO’s sentiments, highlighting the negative impact of illegal seed varieties on tobacco quality.
“We are encountering challenges with unapproved varieties. Recent samples collected in Mount Darwin showed that illegal varieties are diluting the flavour and quality of our tobacco. Test results indicated that leaves from these varieties are of poor quality, lacking body texture and aroma. They are pale, papery, and do not produce the signature flavour typical of Zimbabwean tobacco,” he said.
Tatenda Chisango, Head of Seed Production at Kutsaga, urged farmers to be vigilant and avoid counterfeit seeds.
“There is no shortcut to producing quality. We produce seeds that have been tried and tested. Our varieties are highly sought-after; farmers must ensure they are buying seed with the Kutsaga logo. We are rebranding and moving to biodegradable packaging to help distinguish authentic products,” said Chisango.
Kutsaga’s initiatives are aligned with Zimbabwe’s broader national objective of attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030 through enhanced agricultural productivity and robust value chain development.
