THE TOBACCO CLOSE SEASON FROM CULTIVATION REGULATIONS 1961
Regulation · Agriculture
Policy date: 1961-01-01
Regulations require tobacco farmers in designated zones to destroy plants and observe a fallow period to control diseases. They target farmers and state agricultural departments to improve crop quality. This enhances farm profitability in subsequent seasons.
What Is This Policy?
Regulations requiring tobacco farmers in designated zones to observe a mandatory period during which tobacco plants must be destroyed and fields kept free of tobacco, aimed at controlling tobacco mosaic virus and other diseases that spread through ratoon crops.
Who Does It Target?
Tobacco farmers in regulated zones State agricultural departments Tobacco leaf processors and curing companies
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To suppress soilborne and airborne tobacco diseases by breaking the continuity of host plant availability, thereby improving leaf quality and farm profitability in subsequent seasons.
Key Features
Mandatory Fallow Period: Specifies the calendar period during which tobacco may not be grown in scheduled areas. Ratoon Destruction: Requires complete removal and destruction of all tobacco ratoons and plant debris. Enforcement by Extension Officers: Agricultural officers may visit and inspect farms during the close season. Designated Zones: Applies to tobacco-growing areas scheduled in the regulations. Penalties: Farmers in violation are liable to fines.
Current Status
In force (as applicable). The close season regulations remain on the statute books and are enforced in designated tobacco-growing zones through state agricultural departments and tobacco licensing bodies.
Compliance is automatic for all farmers in scheduled zones during declared close seasons Extension officers advise on compliance schedules Application method: State Ministries of Agriculture
Important Terms
Non-compliance attracts fines Repeated non-compliance may lead to denial of government agricultural support
Official Resources
Website: State Ministries of Agriculture Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
Issued under the regulatory powers of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture pursuant to the Plant Diseases (Emergency Provisions) Act and relevant agricultural commodity regulations. Operates alongside the National Tobacco Control Act 2015, the National Agricultural Seeds Council Act, and the FAO guidelines on integrated pest and disease management for cash crops. Aligns with international phytosanitary standards under the International Plant Protection Convention.