News / Local
First-ever Matebeleland South tobacco auction opens
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In a major milestone for Matebeleland South's agricultural sector, the first-ever Naturally Cured Virginia (NCV) tobacco auction floor has opened in Marula, Mangwe District. The historic development marks a turning point in decentralising tobacco marketing and promoting commercial farming in the region.
The auction floor, set up at the Bitumen World Training Centre, officially opened on Thursday morning and has already begun receiving tobacco from local farmers. By mid-morning, 260 bales, each averaging 80 kilogrammes, had been delivered by enthusiastic farmers eager to tap into the growing market for NCV tobacco.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos, who hailed the development as a major step in promoting rural industrialisation and empowering smallholder farmers in traditionally non-tobacco growing regions.
"This is not just about tobacco; this is about transforming lives and creating sustainable rural economies. What started as a small pilot project is now a thriving reality," said Haritatos.
The NCV tobacco initiative is now in its second season, having started with just 17 pioneering farmers from Mangwe. It has since expanded significantly to include over 160 farmers from both Mangwe and neighbouring Bulilima District. The project has seen local communities embracing tobacco farming as a viable commercial venture, supported by training and access to markets.
Farmers expressed excitement at the opportunity to sell their produce locally, cutting down on the costs and logistical challenges of transporting their tobacco to traditional auction floors in other provinces.
"This auction floor has brought the market to our doorstep. We are no longer burdened with high transport costs and we can now focus more on improving the quality of our crop," said one of the participating farmers.
Authorities hope the success of the Marula auction floor will encourage similar initiatives across other rural districts, aligning with national goals to boost agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
The auction floor, set up at the Bitumen World Training Centre, officially opened on Thursday morning and has already begun receiving tobacco from local farmers. By mid-morning, 260 bales, each averaging 80 kilogrammes, had been delivered by enthusiastic farmers eager to tap into the growing market for NCV tobacco.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos, who hailed the development as a major step in promoting rural industrialisation and empowering smallholder farmers in traditionally non-tobacco growing regions.
"This is not just about tobacco; this is about transforming lives and creating sustainable rural economies. What started as a small pilot project is now a thriving reality," said Haritatos.
Farmers expressed excitement at the opportunity to sell their produce locally, cutting down on the costs and logistical challenges of transporting their tobacco to traditional auction floors in other provinces.
"This auction floor has brought the market to our doorstep. We are no longer burdened with high transport costs and we can now focus more on improving the quality of our crop," said one of the participating farmers.
Authorities hope the success of the Marula auction floor will encourage similar initiatives across other rural districts, aligning with national goals to boost agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
Source - online
