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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 82762, member: 636"]
Tobacco farmers are swapping firewood for cheap coal to stop destroying local forests. The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board negotiated a deal offering fuel at 45 bucks per tonne in Hwange or 110 bucks inside Harare, excluding tax. Officials admit coal is dirty but insist it saves trees while boosting productivity.

Paul Zakariya from the Zimbabwe Farmers Union supports the switch because it protects indigenous woodlands. He suggests fixing the railway system to bring supplies closer to farms since transportation remains a hurdle. Sidings would slash costs further and make this alternative energy source viable for everyone.

George Seremwe of the Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association believes this helps profitability through lowering production expenses. He thanked the board for brokering agreements with mining companies. Edward Dune at the Tobacco Farmers Union Trust agreed but wants contracting merchants to extend these facilities to small-scale growers who need help with transport.

Dune also suggested using the afforestation levy to fund coal procurement. Transporter registration for the 2026 marketing season has already started as the country aims for 360 million kilograms. Last year saw a record 355 million kilograms generating over a billion dollars for growers.
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