TOBACCO farmers should insure their crop in order to safeguard themselves in the event of
disasters.
The advice comes after a number of tobacco farmers in Bindura’s Ward 1 lost nearly 21hectares of
the crop to a hailstorm a fortnight ago.
The hailstorm also destroyed two hectares of soya beans in the Matepatepa area.
Ellias Mudyanyemba, Bindura District Extension Officer, told Nehanda Guardian that insurance was
the only source of comfort in times of such disasters.
He encouraged farmers, regardless of their different sizes and speciality to insure their crops every
season.
The 37 affected farmers are at Chihumbiri, Lilstock and Briton Farms.
The two hectares of soya beans belonged to a single farmer.
It is very unfortunate that such incidents are occurring during this rainy season. This is a great loss
to our farmers and the nation. Tobacco is one of our main sources of foreign currency.”
Meanwhile, farmers at Chiwaridza Farm that
In return, excess moisture has contributed greatly to stunted growth of the green leaf.
We are urging tobacco farmers to plant their crop earlier to avert leaching. The crop being affected
by leaching was planted a bit late.”
He also urged farmers to make use of their area extension officers and learn from them as well as
notify them of any pests they see on their crops.
Agricultural extension workers are urged to report all areas that are being affected in the province.