Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe has joined other tobacco-producing countries in rejecting growing calls for a global ban on tobacco production, saying the sector remains vital to the nation’s economy, employment, and rural development.
Speaking at the 75th Anniversary celebrations of Kutsaga Research Station at the University of Zimbabwe yesterday, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, said Zimbabwe would not support efforts aimed at abolishing tobacco farming but would rather promote responsible, sustainable production to safeguard the crop’s future.
“As a country, we are aware of the global discourse regarding the banning of tobacco. Zimbabwe will not fold its hands while its economic backbone is threatened. We are not in support of a ban but rather advocate for responsible production, sustainability and innovation in tobacco farming,” said Dr Masuka.
He emphasised that tobacco remains central to Zimbabwe’s economy, supporting millions of livelihoods, especially in rural communities, and generating the bulk of the country’s foreign currency earnings.
“Our focus is on ensuring the sector remains viable while aligning to global environmental and health standards. We are taking deliberate steps to make our tobacco production climate-smart, sustainable and beneficial to both the grower and the nation,” he said.
Dr Masuka said Zimbabwe’s strategy was based on innovation, scientific research and value addition, not prohibition.
“Kutsaga must evolve into the national epicentre of research, development and innovation for tobacco and alternatives. Zimbabwe must lead in responsible production while defending farmers’ right to earn a living from this crop,” he added.
Government is promoting afforestation, energy-efficient curing technologies and reduced agrochemical use in line with environmental expectations.
“We are aggressively promoting woodlots and sustainable forestry to provide renewable energy for curing. Solar-assisted barns and biogas will reduce our carbon footprint,” he said.
Dr Masuka said Kutsaga’s research will breed drought-tolerant, disease-resistant tobacco varieties to tackle climate change effects.
“Tobacco is Zimbabwe’s largest agricultural export, earning over US$1 billion annually and supporting 160 000 farmers. A ban would cause social and economic distress,” he warned.
He called for local processing and value addition and urged crop diversification without abandoning tobacco.
“Other producing countries share our view that tobacco must be produced responsibly, not banned outright. We are ready to defend our farmers and economy,” said DrMasuka.
