Tobacco farmers have pleaded with the government for help to alleviate the negative impacts of the current electricity crisis on farming.
US$300 million of irrigated tobacco crop is reportedly under threat as load shedding is affecting the curing of the golden leaf.
In a letter dated 5 December 2022, the Zimbabwe Tobacco Association (ZTA) pleaded with the Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka to intervene. Part of the letter reads:
There is an immediate requirement for tobacco farmers to access concessionary-priced diesel fuel for generator use either through their contractor or through a government facility.
Listings of affected farmers and requirements can be accessed through associations, unions, contractors and TIMB.
For effective curing and handling of this crop, 24 hours of continuous power is required on tobacco farms.
Currently, farms are getting on average seven hours of power per day, barring any faults, which is 30% of the requirements from the utility.
Zimbabwe is experiencing power cuts of up to 18 hours a day due to reduced generation at Kariba caused by low water levels and recurrent breakdowns at Hwange.
As of 8 December, 2022, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) was generating 506MW from its 5 power stations.
Hwange was generating 296MW, Kariba 200MW, Bulawayo 10MW, while Munyati and Harare were generating nothing. | Business Times