Tobacco Asia

54 tobaccoasia LEAF NEWS 烟叶新闻 We'd like to let you in on an industry secret You can view the latest issue of TOBACCO ASIA magazine and TOBACCO ASIA's archived issues and searchable content at www.tobaccoasia.com ing support to farmers, we are optimistic of achieving this goal while ensuring a high-quality crop," she said. Cavendish Lloyd is the sole registered and licensed shisha tobacco merchant authorized by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB). The forecasted favorable rains are expected to benefit shisha tobacco production, as sufficient rainfall promotes healthy plant growth, leading to larger, higher-quality leaves, which are essential for the crop. Dr. Manford highlighted growers' reluctance to engage in full-scale shisha tobacco production as one of the challenges facing the industry. To address this, the company has launched an awareness campaign to encourage more growers to participate. Dr. Manford explained that the prolonged dry spell and delayed rains led to sun-scorching damage on some of the crop, while other areas were affected by hail. Fortunately, the crop was insured. Another challenge hampering produc- tion is the lack of sufficient irrigation facilities, especially during periods of erratic rainfall. To address these issues, Cavendish Lloyd is providing technical training and engaging stakeholders to promote sustainable production solutions. Dr. Manford expressed that Zimbabwe has the potential to become a significant player in the global shisha tobacco market, driving economic growth and empowering farmers. She emphasized that this could be achieved if the government incentivized produc- tion through subsidized inputs, loans, or grants. She also suggested that the government could further support the delivering 608 kilograms and achieving an average price of US$3.10 per kilogram. Farmers Urged to Use Live Barns The Media Network on Tobacco (MNT) is encouraging farmers to adopt the use of live barns, locally referred to as dzigafa za moyo, in preparation for the upcoming tobacco plucking season. This initiative is part of a wider strategy aimed at helping farmers combat the effects of climate change and promote sustainable farming practices. In a press release, MNT president Alfred Chauwa highlighted the signifi- cance of using dzigafa za moyo to minimize the environmental challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns. "We are also urging tobacco farmers to plant more trees to replenish those lost during farming. Trees are vital to our environment, providing oxygen, clean air, food, medicine, and crucial habitats for wildlife," said Chauwa. MNT raised concerns about the rapid deforestation linked to tobacco farming, noting that the tobacco industry is responsible for around 26% of the country's land deforestation—one of the highest rates globally. In response, MNT is advocating for urgent reforesta- tion efforts to address this issue and safeguard the nation's natural resources. "Tobacco remains a major foreign exchange earner for Malawi, but we must ensure that its production does not come at the expense of our environ- ment," Chauwa stated. "The preserva- tion and protection of trees is crucial for the health of our soils, the prevention of erosion, and the safeguarding of biodiversity for future generations." industry by providing incentives to expand irrigation infrastructure, securing new export markets, and investing in research to develop high-yielding shisha tobacco varieties. Commercial shisha tobacco production saw a remarkable growth of 270%, increasing from 110 hectares in the 2022/23 season to 407 hectares in 2023/24. It is projected to reach 514 hectares in the current season. According to statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), a total of 399,429 kilograms of shisha tobacco were produced in the 2023/24 season, valued at US$1.3 million, with an average price of US$3.26 per kilogram. Air-Cured Comeback Natural air-cured tobacco planting in Zimbabwe grew from 10 to 90 hectares in its second year after a 62-year absence, marking a major step toward reducing the carbon footprint of tobacco farming. The country revived air-cured tobacco production in the 2023/24 season, with Atlas Agri (Pvt Ltd) Zimbabwe as the sole contractor. The company enlisted 17 growers for the project, each committing to plots ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 hectares. A total of 10 hectares were planted, yielding around 4,000 kilograms that were successfully marketed. Atlas Agri c.e.o. Alex Mackay reported that over 150 farmers were involved in producing the crop across more than 100 hectares. He also highlighted that many participants in the inaugural project were highly satisfied with the sale, with the top grower

• Cover