The Kutsaga Research Station has urged tobacco growers to adopt the newly developed Gunny Barn as a sustainable and energy-efficient curing solution, citing ongoing challenges posed by persistent rains and temporary curing structures.
In a statement, to all tobacco growers, Kutsaga said the Gunny Barn was developed in collaboration with industry partners as part of efforts to modernise tobacco curing systems and promote environmentally responsible production.
The research station noted that prolonged rainfall has been causing significant curing difficulties, leading to field losses and quality challenges. While the Plastic Sheet Barn was introduced as an emergency intervention, it was not designed as a permanent solution.
Agricultural engineer, Owen Mudadisi, said the Gunny Barn offers a long-term alternative aligned with the industry’s transformation goals.
“The Gunny Barn offers a more durable, sustainable alternative that aligns with the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan’s mandate to grow a larger crop in an environmentally responsible way, using energy-efficient curing systems,” said Engineer Mudadisi.
He said preliminary observations from recent trials indicate that the structure produces consistently higher-quality cured leaf.
“It is faster and more cost-effective to construct, offers greater operational flexibility and can be efficiently fired using wood, coal, or a combination of both,” he said.
Agricultural engineer, Tatenda Magushu, said reliance on temporary plastic structures carries economic and environmental risks.
“The Plastic Sheet Barn is effective as a short-term emergency solution, but it is typically suitable for a single season. Continued dependence on temporary plastic infrastructure may threaten growers’ incomes and poses environmental concerns,” said Engineer Magushu.
He added that the Gunny Barn was specifically designed for durability and multi-season use.
“This low-cost, energy-efficient solution will help safeguard tobacco quality, reduce long-term curing costs and support the sustainability of the tobacco value chain,” he said.
Kutsaga strongly advised growers planning new construction to adopt the Gunny Barn as the preferred permanent infrastructure and indicated that it remains available to provide technical guidance, standard designs and construction support.
