Kutsaga was established in 1950 under the Tobacco Research Act (Chapter18:21). Its mandate is to direct, control and carry out tobacco research in Zimbabwe. Kutsaga’s mission is “To develop and provide elite varieties and innovative agro-based technical services and products to maximize economic value from sustainable tobacco production.”
Kutsaga has exclusive rights to flue-cured research in Zimbabwe. All varieties of tobacco sold in Zimbabwe must be those recommended by Kutsaga. Furthermore, all agrochemicals used on tobacco must be countenanced by Kutsaga before use, in terms of Tobacco Marketing and Levy Act. The Board emphasizes science-and fact-based management of the crop by growers.
The Kutsaga headquarters are at the world-renowned Kutsaga Research Station at the outskirts of Harare.