TENGWE-HURUNGWE-The Allied Tobacco Farmers for Economic Development (ATFED) will tommorrow host its second provincial field day, this time in Tengwe, Hurungwe District, as the farmer-driven organisation intensifies efforts to improve productivity, sustainability and market access for smallholder tobacco farmers. The Mashonaland West Field Day follows the successful inaugural launch held in Macheke, Mashonaland East, marking the continuation of ATFED’s national rollout programme aimed at transforming Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector. The event is expected to attract more than 500 participants, including tobacco farmers, agribusiness players, government officials, contractors, exporters and development partners.
According to ATFED, the field day will focus on practical solutions to challenges facing smallholder farmers, with live demonstrations on improved curing barns, efficient fuel-wood use and climate-smart agronomic practices designed to enhance yields while reducing environmental impact. Farmers will also receive hands-on training in key production areas such as timely weeding, pest and disease management, post-harvest handling and quality grading, which are critical to improving leaf quality and profitability. In a bid to strengthen farmer bargaining power, the programme will facilitate direct engagement with contractors, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) officials and exporters, allowing growers to discuss contract terms, pricing structures and market requirements.
Sustainability initiatives will feature prominently, with exhibitions on woodlot establishment and alternative energy solutions aimed at curbing deforestation linked to tobacco curing. “Tengwe has long been a high-potential tobacco-producing area. This field day is about turning that potential into measurable growth by empowering farmers with knowledge, technology and access to markets,” an ATFED Mashonaland West representative said.
Read Full Article on ExpressMail Zimbabwe
[paywall]
ATFED is a member-driven organisation advocating for sustainable tobacco production, farmer empowerment and inclusive economic growth, in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030. Media teams are expected to cover the event, capturing stories of innovation and resilience from the farming community
[/paywall]
