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[QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23088, member: 2262"]
Zimbabwe's Tobacco Season Shows Promise Despite Early Challenges.

Farmers have started picking their first tobacco leaves from irrigated fields. They hope to grow 300,000 tonnes this year.

Most of the plants look healthy. Small farmers who depend on rain are still planting plants across farm areas in Mashonaland and Manicaland.

Edward Dune leads the Tobacco Farmers Union Trust. He says many farmers are gathering their crops, but he warns that the leaves might weigh less than usual.

"Our harvest moves ahead well. Markets should open soon," Dune said. He mentioned how heat killed some young plants earlier. "The rains give us hope we can meet our goals."

Farmwork has drawn many people from dry places like Binga and Muzarabani. Families come looking for jobs and food.

The government helped farmers deal with late rains. Farm Minister Anxious Masuka gave them more time to clear their plant beds. Instead of December 31, they can wait until January 15.

Old rules from 1979 required farmers to clear beds by year's end to prevent pests. But dry weather kept many farmers from moving plants until Christmas rains came.

The Tobacco Board backed this change. They wanted farmers to protect their work and make money. The December rains brought new hope for farmers who rely on nature's water.

Recent numbers tell a good story. By December 27, farmers had planted 84,661 hectares, up from 82,392 hectares last year. More people farm tobacco this year—126,092 compared to 112,904 last year. These numbers show that farming stays strong and keeps growing.
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