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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 34956, member: 636"]
Matabeleland South farmers have started growing tobacco. 122 small growers produce Natural Cured Virginia tobacco across 84 hectares. Atlas Agri Private Limited signed contracts with these farmers to expand production beyond traditional areas like Manicaland, Midlands, and Mashonaland. The Tobacco Industry Marketing Board says this change helps spread farming wealth to new regions. This expansion supports government plans for economic growth across all provinces.

Atlas Agri established a local sales floor approved by TIMB for farmers to sell their crops nearby. Emmanuel Matsvaire from TIMB believes shorter travel distances save money for growers. Natural-cured Virginia tobacco needs no firewood or coal because farmers use sunshades and drying racks instead. This method cuts costs and protects the environment, but maintains the same quality as regular flue-cured tobacco.

The program began last season with just 17 farmers on 10 hectares producing 9,000 kilograms. Atlas Agri wants to increase production next season despite challenges with water supply from hand pumps. TIMB plans to introduce solar-powered boreholes and partner with agricultural experts to train local farmers. With proper support, Matabeleland South could become important for Zimbabwe's tobacco industry.
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