TOBACCO FARMERS URGED TO INSURE CROPS AMID EL NIÑO RISKS The Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) has urged tobacco farmers to insure their c

TOBACCO FARMERS URGED TO INSURE CROPS AMID EL NIÑO RISKS

The Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) has urged tobacco farmers to insure their crops ahead of the upcoming farming season due to possible weather-related risks associated with El Niño conditions.

TBZ Executive Director Robert Mwale says prolonged dry spells in some tobacco-growing areas and excessive rainfall in others could lead to crop losses through drought, hailstorms and other climate-related challenges.

Mr Mwale says the Board has purchased 67 million kilogrammes of tobacco worth 135 million United States dollars during the current marketing season. He has also urged farmers to register with TBZ and comply with the legal requirement to plant trees.