By Nhau Mangirazi, Karoi
Karoi farming town is positioning itself to lure potential investors for a tobacco processing plant that will boost economic growth, create employment while adding value chain to the golden leaf.
A stakeholders meeting held here where tobacco players, government ministries, farmers deliberated on how the town can make add value from the tobacco sector made a bold statement that the town was ready for the task.
They noted that it may change the economic growth and spur development for the sleeping town that has no viable industries. Acting Karoi Town Council secretary Tongai Namusala said they are ready for the task as they have enough land for industrial hub in the agricultural sector.
Hurungwe Agricultural Task force chairperson Wellington Chisepo says there is need to strike a balance on innovation hubs for tobacco curing for sustainable growth in the sector.
Agro Leaf financial director Cleopas Gara assured farmers that they stand a good chance to have a local processing plant.
‘‘Currently, we have few tobacco processors in Zimbabwe and contractors take time to be allocated for processing slots. If the opportunity arises in Karoi it will be done locally so that the value chain is added before tobacco is exported. We hope that it will help both contractors and farmers alike,’’ said Gara.
Garland Kunodziya provincial acting deputy director economic analyst explained that Karoi stands a good chance to host the tobacco processing zone.
‘‘Hurungwe remains the agricultural hub in tobacco, maize and wheat production. We are grateful that the tobacco players are leading the economic drive as part of Vision 2030 for an upper middle economy. This can be done through local industrialization, sustainable development anchored on empowering communities. The exported tobacco must retain its value to local farmers and government will certainly gain more on taxes than present times when raw tobacco is being exported,’’ explained Kunodziya.
He, however noted that there is need to consider effects of climate change on tobacco production.
‘‘We call upon contracting tobacco companies to help farmers with sustainable water for irrigation and consider solar powered homes to help in forests. We hope that all will be done in honestly so that farmers have better accommodation that boosts their wellbeing for long term plans,’’ noted Kunodziya.
Hurungwe district within Mashonaland West province produces more than 30 percent of tobacco exported globally.
The district has favorable weather conditions, soils suitable for golden leaf production that has been ongoing for over 60 years. There are over 20 auction floors in Karoi farming town.
