The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is engaging with all tobacco-producing regions to ensure compliance with its stalk destruction directive.
The initiative is meant to uphold the integrity of the industry and punish those who fail to adhere to regulations.
This comes after the Government extended the tobacco stalk destruction deadline from the usual May 15 to June 5 for the 2024/25 season.
This extension accommodates growers affected by a delayed planting season.
In a recent notice to tobacco growers, TIMB said tobacco stalks must be destroyed by June 5, in line with directives from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. But to date, some fields still have standing stalks.
“TIMB has commenced an operation to enforce the destruction of these stalks. If you are found with standing stalks, you will face penalties,” TIMB said.
Penalties for failing to destroy tobacco stalks are severe, including the possibility of a fine of up to US$100 per hectare or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
For a repeat offence, a fine of up to US$200 per hectare or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
TIMB underscored the critical nature of stalk destruction in preventing disease and pest carry-over, thereby ensuring the quality of future crops.
Growers are encouraged to report non-compliance to relevant authorities, including the Plant Quarantine Services Institute (PQSI), Agritex, Kutsaga Research or TIMB itself.
To safeguard the country’s lucrative tobacco market, stakeholders are urged to follow regulations, which are essential for meeting phytosanitary requirements necessary for market access and trade. Pest-infected tobacco products are not marketable, making adherence to these measures crucial for maintaining the industry’s health.
The tobacco value chain plays a significant role in the agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) and export revenues, supporting approximately 160 000 households and accounting for over 50 percent of agricultural exports.
Source: The Herald
Source: The Herald
