Kutsaga celebrates 75 years

For 75 years, the Kutsaga Research Board has stood as a cornerstone of tobacco research in Zimbabwe, distinguished by its robust collaborative framework with industry stakeholders. From its earliest days, the institution recognised that meaningful agricultural advancement requires strong partnerships between researchers, merchants, and farmers.

The institution will be holding a series of events throughout the year to commemorate this achievement and the inaugural event was a field day highlighting its work in genetics and tobacco seed development.

Christine Chitsango kicked off proceedings with an overview of the process involved in seed production.

This was followed by a talk by Dr Chenjerayi Kashangura on the development of its variety breeding over the years.

The day ended with addresses from the CEO, Dr Frank Magama and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri.

Kutsaga’s early focus on genetic improvement laid the foundation for its enduring impact on Zimbabwe's tobacco-producing landscape. The successful development of improved tobacco varieties over the years continues to demonstrates the institution's commitment to scientific excellence and practical application.

Throughout its history, Kutsaga has maintained strong ties with tobacco merchants, understanding their crucial role in the value chain. This partnership has helped align research priorities with market demands, ensuring that new varieties and agricultural practices meet both local growing conditions and international market standards.

The farmer-researcher relationship has been particularly vital. Kutsaga's research programs have consistently incorporated farmer feedback, creating a two-way knowledge exchange that enhances the practical application of research findings. This collaborative approach has led to the development of varieties that not only perform well in laboratory conditions but also thrive in real-world farming environments.

From those early genetics and breeding programs to today's comprehensive and wider research portfolio, Kutsaga's journey exemplifies how institutional excellence, combined with strong stakeholder partnerships, can drive agricultural innovation.