KAROI town is gearing itself to lure potential investors in tobacco processing, a development that will boost economic growth and create employment opportunities.
Speaking during a stakeholders meeting recently, tobacco players, government ministries and farmers deliberated on how the town can add value in the tobacco sector.
Hurungwe Farmers Association chairperson Wellington Chisepo said the district would benefit if a tobacco processing plant were established in the farming town.
“This is the best opportunity ever for Hurungwe tobacco farmers. We need to work closely together with all stakeholders so that it will come to reality,” he said.
“Farmers must benefit as part of the investment drive so that our interests are protected from the way we produce tobacco.”
Agro Leaf financial director Cleopas Gara assured farmers that they stand a chance to have a local processing plant.
“Currently, we have few tobacco processors in Zimbabwe and contractors take time to be allocated processing slots,” Gara said.
“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.”
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Garland Kunodziya, provincial acting deputy director economic analysis, 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,” he said.
“This can be done through local industrialisation, 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.”
Karoi Town Council acting secretary Tongai Namusala said there was enough land for such investment.
“The council is well prepared for potential investment in the farming sector particularly tobacco as we have an industrial hub with most local auction floors operating. We have abundant land for such investment,” he said.
Hurungwe district, which falls under Mashonaland West province, produces more than 30% of the country’s tobacco annually.
Also, there are over 20 auction floors in Karoi.
