Staff Reporter
As Zimbabwe’s tobacco reaping season reaches its peak, agricultural experts are urging farmers to follow best practices in reaping, curing, and grading to preserve the quality and market value of their leaf.
Industry specialists are calling for diligence and discipline throughout the post-harvest stages, from the field to the barn and ultimately to the classification table, warning that poor handling could cost farmers their profits.
In a recent interview, the Farming Services Division Manager of the Kutsaga Research Board, Meeting Kavene, stressed the importance of harvesting only mature leaves and managing curing barns correctly.
“We recommend reaping just two leaves per plant, three at most, and ensuring that only mature leaves are selected. The moment you harvest, do not let the leaves lie in the sun for long; they will go spongy and lose value,” said Kavene.
He also cautioned farmers against poor furnace management, which often leads to "cold colouring, a defect that significantly reduces the value of the cured leaf.
“Leaves should be hung in the barn as soon as possible. Start a fire in the furnace once the barn is fully loaded and raise the temperature to 35°C. Be wary of cold colouring—if the barn can’t heat properly, the leaf won’t cure to the right colour,” he added.
Proper curing, according to experts, is more than just drying—it is a carefully controlled chemical process that determines the final quality of the tobacco.
Dr. Frank Magama, CEO of the Tobacco Research Board (Kutsaga), emphasised the critical role of curing in shaping tobacco flavour, aroma, and appearance.
“Curing is the heartbeat of flue-cured tobacco production. When done properly, it enhances the flavour, aroma, and colour attributes that define grade and market value. In fact, up to 75% of a leaf’s price is based on colour alone,” said Dr. Magama.
He urged farmers to follow the standard curing schedule, which typically spans seven to eight days.
The process begins with colouring at 30–35°C, progresses through moisture loss and colour fixing, then moves into lamina drying at 50–60°C and midrib drying at 61–71°C. On the eighth day, heat is turned off to allow moisture back in and condition the leaf.
“Colouring must be followed by timely colour fixing and drying to preserve quality. We encourage farmers to monitor barn conditions closely and avoid over-curing, which leads to leaf breakage or mould,” Dr. Magama said.
Following curing, the focus shifts to grading, a meticulous process that determines how the tobacco will be classified and priced on the auction floor. Grading is based on leaf position, quality, colour, and defects.
“Grading should be carried out in a well-lit environment to distinguish colours and detect defects. Well-conditioned hands with 10–13 leaves each should be tied with uniform leaf types. Mixed hands or poorly handled leaves will attract penalties or outright rejection,” said Dr. Magama.
Zimbabwe’s auction floors use a structured classification system that includes codes such as “P” for primings, “X” for lugs, and “L” for leaf, with quality ratings ranging from “1” (fine) to “5” (poor).
Defects like sunburn, greenish tinge, or mould also factor into the final grade.
To avoid post-harvest losses, farmers must also store cured tobacco properly. Damp leaves can develop mould, while overly dry leaves become brittle and prone to damage during handling.
Dr. Magama also reminded farmers that attention to detail at every stage is essential.
“Tobacco is a high-value crop when treated with care. The quality you put in is the value you get out. From reaping to curing and grading—every step matters,” he said.
With expert guidance and a disciplined approach, Zimbabwean tobacco growers can look forward to a successful marketing season marked by high grades and profitable returns.
