a The largest tobacco seed producer, the Zimbabwe Tobacco Seed Association (ZTSA), has ceased production and closed shop after failing to secure parent seeds, amid fears it will impact the billion-dollar gold leaf sector.
ZTSA Executive Committee Chairman, Mildred Kamosa, confirmed the developments adding that hundreds would lose their jobs.
“We haven’t had the opportunity to get parent seeds for the last six years, which has put us out of business,” she said in a phone interview.
“We had over 400 workers as part of the seed production company. Unfortunately, the company will not be moving but we are closing operations and liquidating.
“There is no hope that we will be able to return to playing any time soon.”
Tatenda Mugabe, Kotsaga’s public relations and communications officer, said the closure of ZTSA was unfortunate, but it allayed fears of seed shortages.
“While the closure of ZTSA is disappointing, rest assured that tobacco seed supplies will continue without any concessions,” Mugabe said in written responses to Newsday’s questions.
Zimbabwe remains one of the world’s largest tobacco producers generating approximately US$1 billion in foreign exchange earnings annually. Newsday
