The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has condemned the misuse of inputs under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa and National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), calling for stricter penalties for offenders.
According to Statutory Instrument 79 of 2017, inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals provided through these programs must be used solely for their intended purposes, with all contracted produce delivered to designated buyers.
Those found diverting inputs could face fines up to level four, which includes imprisonment for up to three months, a fine, or both. Additionally, any misused inputs or illegally sold produce may be confiscated.
AMA CEO Clever Isaya told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/ama-decries-inputs-abuse-and-side-marketing/">The Herald</a> that the abuse of agricultural inputs undermines the Government’s efforts to ensure food security, disrupts market stability, and diminishes the economic potential of the agriculture sector. He said:
<blockquote>
Inputs provided under these schemes are a national investment in food security and agricultural resilience. Their misuse not only jeopardises household food security but also reduces the overall agricultural productivity needed to feed the nation.
AMA has established regional offices across the country to help farmers access information on proper marketing channels and compliance requirements.
This move aims to ensure that all farmers from communal to commercial, understand their obligations under the law and the economic impact of non-compliance.
</blockquote>
Programmes like Pfumvudza/Intwasa assist small-holder farmers while NEAPS, on the other hand, enables commercial-scale farming by providing financial and material support.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Obert Jiri, recently said that individuals who sell or distribute inputs received under the climate-proofed Presidential Inputs Scheme (Pfumvudza) will face arrest.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The AMA is angry because people are using farming supplies in the wrong way. They want stricter rules and punishments for those who do this. People who misuse the supplies can go to jail or pay fines. It's important to use these supplies properly to make sure there is enough food. The AMA is helping farmers know how to follow the rules. Some programs help small farmers, while others support big farms. The government says anyone caught selling these supplies will get in trouble.

AMA Calls For Stricter Penalties To Combat Abuse of Government Farming Inputs

Zimbabwean farmers are concerned about high input prices at distributor shops, which may hinder production and force them to use uncertified seeds, potentially affecting yields.
A snap survey by <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/farmers-decry-high-inputs-cost/">Chronicle</a> in Bulawayo revealed maize seed prices between US$37 and US$50 for a 10kg bag, depending on the variety.
Fertilisers were priced around US$30 for a 50kg bag of compound D and US$36 for ammonium nitrate.
Farmers have warned that the high prices of seeds will force many to resort to uncertified seeds, negatively impacting output.
A farmer who only identified herself as Mrs Ncube, input costs are higher than they can afford, particularly as the country recovers from the El-Nino-induced drought. She said:
<blockquote>
Not many of us will be able to afford proper and enough inputs considering that people are already suffering from El Nino effects where much funds are channelled towards essential cereals. Many people will resort to other plans like planting uncertified seed.
It’s only that we had to focus on buying food. In the past we used to buy seed before the rains when it would be cheaper, but this year things changed because of the drought.
</blockquote>
Mrs Ncube added that rural farmers traditionally relied on manure as a natural fertiliser. However, due to widespread livestock deaths across various parts of the country, many farmers will now be forced to purchase commercial fertilisers instead.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) Secretary General Paul Zakariya expressed concern over the skyrocketing prices of agricultural inputs, describing it as deeply troubling.
He said that these high costs are driving up production expenses and shrinking profit margins for farmers.
Zakariya called for all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to work together in order to restore stability and fairness to the marketplace.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farmers in Zimbabwe are worried because the prices of seeds and fertilizers are going up. The high costs might make it hard for them to produce enough crops. Some farmers may have to use uncertified seeds, which may not grow well. Because of a drought, many farmers can't afford the expensive inputs. The Zimbabwe Farmers Union is also concerned about the high prices. They want everyone in the agricultural sector to work together to make things fairer for the farmers. Farmers are struggling to afford what they need to grow crops.

Farmers In Zimbabwe Raise Alarm Over Rising Input Costs

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has announced that it has received US$13 million and ZiG$115 million from the Treasury to settle payments for grain delivered by farmers.
In a statement, GMB CEO Edson Badarai confirmed that the funds are already being processed for disbursement. He added:
<blockquote>
The Board sincerely appreciates farmers who continue to deliver to GMB, as well as Government, through Treasury, for release of the much needed financial resources for farmers. Treasury has committed to raise additional funds for farmers.
As the country spearheads wheat-based food security, farmers are encouraged to continue delivering wheat to GMB.
</blockquote>
In September, Badarai announced that the producer price for wheat had been set at US$450 per tonne for standard grade and US$470 per tonne for premium grade, with payments to be made exclusively in United States dollars.
During the 2023 winter wheat season, farmers received US$440 per tonne, with payments split 75% in US dollars and 25% in Zimbabwe dollars at the prevailing interbank rate.
Since GMB will now pay wheat farmers exclusively in US dollars, it appears the ZiG$115 million allocated by the Treasury is intended to settle payments for maize and small grains delivered by farmers during the 2023/24 season.
It is concerning that farmers have had to wait so long for payment, especially considering that the 2024/25 season is already underway.
Many farmers would have relied on timely payments to purchase inputs well before the current season began.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Grain Marketing Board has received US$13 million and ZiG$115 million from the Treasury to pay farmers for their grain.
The money is already being processed for distribution to farmers.
Farmers are encouraged to keep delivering wheat to GMB for food security.
The producer price for wheat has been set at US$450 per tonne.
Payments will now be made exclusively in US dollars.
The ZiG$115 million will be used to pay for maize and small grains from the 2023/24 season.
Farmers are worried about the delay in payments as the new season has already started.
They rely on prompt payments to buy the things they need for farming.

Treasury Allocates US$13 Million And ZiG$115 Million To GMB

Cotton companies are offering top-up payments to farmers for higher-grade cotton delivered last season.
The Cotton Ginners Association (CGA), which represents private merchants accounting for about 25% of the country’s cotton production, has confirmed that farmers are receiving additional payments for cotton graded A, B, and C.
Farmers initially receive payment for the lowest grade (D), with further top-ups provided based on the final grade assigned to the cotton.
For the 2024 marketing season, the minimum seed cotton prices are set at US43c per kg for grade A, US39c for grade B, US36c for grade C, and US32c for grade D. CGA said in a statement:
<blockquote>
We are pleased with the progress made in input distribution. We have already provided a portion of the inputs to farmers and are well-prepared for the season.
This, coupled with the top-ups for grade differentials, demonstrates our commitment to supporting farmers.
</blockquote>
At its peak, Zimbabwe’s cotton production reached 351,000 tonnes during the 2010/11 season. However, last season’s drought severely affected yields, causing production to plummet to a record low of just 13,000 tonnes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cotton companies are giving extra money to farmers for better-quality cotton they delivered last season. Farmers get paid for the lowest grade first, then more money if the cotton is graded better. The prices for different grades are set for the 2024 season. The Cotton Ginners Association is happy with progress in giving out seeds and supporting farmers. Zimbabwe's cotton production dropped a lot last season due to a drought. In the past, the country produced a lot more cotton.

Farmers To Get Top-Up Payments For Cotton Delivered Last Season

Zimbabwe’s raw milk production increased by 18% to 85.05 million litres in the first nine months of 2024, compared to 71.91 million litres in the same period last year, despite drought effects.
The improvement is largely due to the partnership between the Zimbabwean Government and the EU-funded Transforming the Zimbabwe Dairy Value Chain for the Future (TranZDVC) project.
TranZDVC has supported small-scale dairy farmers by providing resources such as calves and lucerne grass seeds, enhancing production efficiency and sustainability in the dairy sector.
Lucerne, also known as alfalfa, has been crucial, offering a high-protein forage crop with a protein concentration of 18-22% of dry matter, compared to maize silage (8%) and good-quality grass silage (14%).
The introduction of lucerne has improved the nutritional quality of dairy feed and reduced production costs.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development reported that the cost of milk has decreased to about 50 cents per litre, down from up to 70 cents per litre previously.
Lucerne’s well-established root system makes it especially resilient to drought, offering a dependable pasture option even in dry periods.
This trait has proven invaluable during the current El Niño conditions, which have led to difficulties for other fodder crops, particularly cereals.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s dairy sector has established a milk production target of 113 million litres for 2024, with plans to raise this goal to 150 million litres by 2025.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe has produced more milk this year, despite drought. The government and a project called TranZDVC helped small farmers with resources and seeds. A special crop called lucerne helped improve milk quality and lower costs. The milk price has decreased, making it more affordable. Lucerne is good for dry times because it can still provide food for cows. The dairy sector aims to produce even more milk in the future.

Zimbabwe's Raw Milk Production Sees 18% Surge Despite Drought

The Government dismissed claims by sugarcane millers that it lacks the power to set the revenue-sharing ratio between farmers and millers, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-sticks-to-guns-on-sugar-pricing-mandate/">The Herald</a>.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu asserted that he is mandated to administer the Sugar Production Control Act, which includes setting sugarcane prices and regulating sugar manufacturing and delivery.
Tongaat Hulett owns 100% of Triangle and 51% of Hippo Valley Estates.
The new Division of Proceeds (DoP) favours farmers with an 80.5:19.5 per cent ratio, up from the 77:23 ratio recommended by Ernst &amp; Young (EY) in 2016.
Farmers sought validation of the new DoP, while millers wanted a review.
Baker Tilly conducted an interim validation and recommended the new DoP after EY declined due to a conflict of interest, having become the millers’ auditors in 2021.
Millers argue that Minister Ndlovu lacks the authority to set such ratios unilaterally and that the validation process was flawed and resulted in an unfair recommendation.
Said Minister Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
The DoP validation exercise w
as well-founded, regular, reasonable and just.
My actions were intra vires. As the Minister of Industry and Commerce, I acted within the scope of my authority in determining the Division of Proceeds.
Section 10 of the Sugar Production Control Act [Chapter 18:19] empowers me to set the price paid to farmers for delivered sugarcane…
Claiming that the ministry favoured one party (the farmers) is unfounded, as validation was essential before proceeding with the review.
The review will be conducted in due course as the MoU between the parties indicated that the review was to take place within a period leading up to March 31, 2025, and will be implemented on April 1, 2025.
</blockquote>
Millers claimed they weren’t given a chance to provide detailed submissions for validation but Minister Ndlovu argued that the same submissions initially given to EY were used by Baker Tilly.
EY declined to conduct the validation due to a conflict of interest.
The technical working group, including milling companies, decided no new information should be introduced for the validation process.
Both farmers and millers had to submit the same data they had previously provided to EY.
Farmers resubmitted their information in March 2024, unchanged from October 2023, except for a later cover letter date.
Ndlovu deposed that millers and farmers have a long history of disputes over various issues, often turning to the ministry for mediation when they are unable to reach an agreement.
These ongoing conflicts arise from the competing interests of both parties, who frequently view decisions that do not favour them as unjust.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government says it has the power to decide how to share money between sugarcane farmers and millers. The new sharing ratio gives more money to farmers. The minister in charge, Mangaliso Ndlovu, believes he can make this decision. A company called Tongaat Hulett owns some of the sugar farms. The millers say they were not given a fair chance to share their opinions. The argument is ongoing between the farmers and the millers. A new review will happen in 2025.

Government Stands Firm On Sugar Pricing Mandate

A shortage of funds has caused delays in the importation and delivery of agricultural inputs to subsistence farmers participating in the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme.
During oral testimony in Parliament on Monday, Obert Jiri, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, revealed that the government owes contractors over US$300 million for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023 seasons, as well as for ongoing projects.
Jiri said that transporters responsible for delivering food aid to villagers also handle the transportation of agricultural inputs.
If these transporters are not paid, they lack the resources necessary to continue their work. Said Jiri (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/pfumvudza-programme-hits-a-snag-as-govt-fails-to-pay-suppliers-over-us300-million/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
We have out there 50% of our seed, and 49% of our compound D and C fertilizers in stock. The seeds, we have all of it except some imported traditional grains.
The main challenge on the Pfumvudza scheme is certainly the financing of this. Our contractors are owed more than US$300 million for the 2020-2021 season, 2021-2022 season, 2022-2023 season, and to date.
So the delay in the movement of inputs is really because of the legacy debt which I know that after the SADC conference funds are now turned to supporting agriculture so that we prepare for the season.
It has been happening slowly, we haven’t been able to move about 50 per cent of the fertiliser which is the major input, we think that we should be done if resources are availed today we should be done by mid-November, and we should be able to move all the inputs.
</blockquote>
The Pfumvudza programme is a government-initiated agricultural scheme that supports vulnerable farmers with seeds and fertilizers to cultivate crops like maize, sunflower, small grains, and soya beans on small plots of land.
It focuses on promoting conservation agriculture practices to improve food security and ensure sustainable farming.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government owes farmers money for seeds and fertilizer for a farming program called Pfumvudza. The farmers can't get their supplies on time because the government hasn't paid the companies that deliver them. The delay is causing problems for the farmers to prepare for the upcoming farming season. The Pfumvudza program helps farmers grow crops like maize and sunflower to improve food security. The government needs to pay the suppliers so that the farmers can get their supplies and start farming.

Government Owes Pfumvudza Scheme Inputs Suppliers Over US$300 Million

Farmers unions have welcomed the changes to the country’s land tenure system that were announced by the government on Tuesday.
Under the reformed system, beneficiaries of the land reform programme will now receive a bankable, registrable, and transferable document of tenure from the government.
The government said that these adjustments will unlock the full value of the land and boost the country’s overall economic performance.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/land-tenure-overhaul-heralds-new-era-for-farmers/">The Herald</a>, the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) Secretary General said the new model will enable farmers to access capital from financial institutions. Said Zakariya:
<blockquote>
I think this settles a matter that has been long outstanding, the need for farmlands to be used as security for all agricultural borrowings or for borrowings related to farm development, including agricultural production.
So, over the last two decades, farmers were securing loans using properties outside the farmlands and that was not sustainable.
Number one, because of the size of the borrowings for instance, if you are using a house, that house would not secure a long-term asset.
So, before, the values were very low, because the assets outside the farms were also not carrying so much, you can imagine someone using their house in Budiriro to develop a commercial farm somewhere.
The transferability of land gives comfort to financiers, that if anyone, by any means, defaults on their loans, the bank now has a fallback, which means the debt can actually be financed by somebody else and the firm then transfers ownership to whoever may have financed the debt.
So, this is a game changer in terms of unlocking value on our land under the Land Reform Programme. And indeed other lands too. They had lost the value completely. They had zero value. Now, this restores value, the value of land.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust (ZWIFAT) president Depinah Nkomo said the new land tenure system will allow farmers to develop infrastructure on their farms. She said:
<blockquote>
Now we will be very confident especially us women because we will be able to access financing and we will also be able to transfer ownership as stipulated.
Before this development, we were not even confident to build proper infrastructure on our land so the President has heard our cry and as women, we are very happy we can now start our projects confidently and freely because we will now have that security.
</blockquote>
Economist Prosper Chitambara, speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200033401/new-land-laws-biggest-heist">NewsDay</a>, said the changes to the land tenure system are important not only for the land itself but also for Zimbabwe’s broader economic development. He said:
<blockquote>
I think it is critical in terms of ensuring the productive utilisation of the land and also unlocking full value, private sector investment and finance from private financial institutions while allowing land to be transferable.
That is one of the things a lot of scholars and observers have been advocating. I think that is the way to go to unlock the full value of land in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ) president Lawrence Nyazema said that while the new land tenure system provides farmers with more secure and transferable land rights, banks will still need to see evidence of sound business plans and the ability to generate steady income streams. Said Nyazema:
<blockquote>
Land is not as collateral that a farmer can walk into a bank requesting a loan because he or she has land. A farmer must have a project that generates money.
It is very difficult for a farmer to just approach a bank and ask for money just because they have the land. If he or she fails to pay for the loan, the bank should be able remove them from the land.
It is prudent for the farmers to come up with project proposals that they can develop to make sure that they are able to access the funds and repay the loans.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farmers' unions are happy about changes to land ownership. Now, farmers will get official documents for their land from the government. This will help them get loans to improve their farms. Women farmers are especially excited about building on their land. Economists think these changes are good for the economy too. Banks say farmers need to have good plans to get loans, not just land. Everyone agrees that these changes will make a big difference for farmers and the country's economy.

Farmers' Unions Hail Land Tenure Reforms As Game-Changer For Agricultural Sector

The Zimbabwean government announced a significant change to its land policy, permitting beneficiaries of past land reforms to sell or transfer their farms, but exclusively to “indigenous Zimbabweans.”
Speaking to the media after a cabinet meeting in Harare on Tuesday, October 8, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere, said that the new policy aims to “unlock value” and will provide farmers who benefited from the 2000 land reforms with a “bankable, registrable, and transferable document of tenure.”
The government has also implemented an indefinite moratorium on the issuance of new 99-year leases or permits for agricultural land.
This announcement may indicate the conclusion of Zimbabwe’s contentious land reform programme, which involved the seizure of land from white owners and its redistribution to indigenous blacks.
Below is the announcement by Muswere in full:
<blockquote>
The land reform programme was carried out for the purpose of divesting ownership of agricultural land from the minority white farmers to the black majority people of Zimbabwe.
The rationale of the land reform was to address the inequalities that existed during the colonial era and to ensure that every Zimbabwean had equitable access to his finite resource.
The constitution and other legislative provisions that deal with the administration of agricultural land have mechanisms and safeguards to ensure that the legacy and benefits of the land reform are protected and land reform is irreversible.
The noticeable new paradigm amongst Zimbabwean farmers, especially the majority of beneficiaries of land reform, is to regard and conduct farming as a business; as a source of both livelihood and means to increasing personal economic value. Our young people have positively embraced the land reform programme and now account for a significant proportion of the country’s commercial farmers.
The government has since 2008 put in place various programmes to assist farmers to be productive on the land. The support includes the Baccossi Inputs and Mechanisation Equipment; Maguta and the Special Grains Import Substitution Programme among others.
In the second republic, the country has witnessed and benefited from the government’s deliberate and complementary policy of incorporating accelerated infrastructure development which includes road construction and rehabilitation incorporating the much needed rural roads; dam construction; irrigation and housing development.
While our people are endowed with agricultural land resulting from progressive government policies, they continue to grapple with the following challenges:
1. Difficulty in accessing affordable, appropriately structured and adequate finance for sustainable commercial agriculture.
2. In the absence of security of tenure, the farmers are not sufficiently motivated to invest adequately and to develop robust infrastructure on their farms to enhance sustainable production.
3. The threat to land tenure, especially to successors entitled to land held by beneficiaries of the land reform programme (such as children or war veterans) arising from inheritance and fraudulent succession issues.
4. While the government conceived and implemented these positive programmes, there have been varying levels of accountability from the farmers with a significant proportion of the farmers feeling no obligation to pay back loans advanced.
Consequently, the government has remained saddled with debt emanating from unpaid agricultural loans by many farmers.
5. The menace of land barons who have little or no regard for our town and country planning laws and policies has put a strain on the local authorities’ infrastructure. The land barons develop haphazard and unplanned settlements with no basic services such as water, electricity, sewer reticulation and storm water drainage.
Against this background and in line with section 292 of the constitution read together with sections 289, 293 and 294 that obligates the state to give security of tenure to every person and to alienate for value agricultural land among other requirements, the government will implement the following measures:
1. All land held by beneficiaries of the land reform programme under 99-year leases; offer letters and permits will now be held under a bankable, registrable and transferable document of tenure to be issued by the government of Zimbabwe to beneficiaries. As such, beneficiries of the land reform programme will now have enhanced security of tenure to the land they legitimately hold.
This new policy will invariably be informed by the following guidelines:
a) Priority will be given to veterans of the liberation struggle, women and youths.
b) Security of tenure to all agricultural land regularised under this programme will at all times only be transferable among indigenous Zimbabwe.
c) The land targeted for the new land tenure system will exclude communal land that is under the jurisdiction of traditional chiefs.
2. Urban land will only be made commercially available to credible and approved land developers who will add value to the land in compliance with all relevant laws and protocols. Ultimately, the goal is to establish high quality housing developments in fulfilment of our vision of an upper-middle income society by 2030. Areas that are not in use within cities will be considered for development. Urban renewal, urban transformation and regularisation will also be given priority.
These agricultural and urban land measures will have a huge impact on our economic growth, and will unlock the full value of the land while enhancing the performance of our economy. This will facilitate accelerated investments in agriculture and associated value chains which include irrigation, dam construction, power supply and rural road construction.
The economic value enhancement on land will further unlock resources for the fulfilment of constitutional obligations related to land reform. All these measures will complement current efforts towards an upper middle income economy, which will be achieved by 2030.
The president has constituted a cabinet oversight committee chaired by defence minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri to lead this reform process.
A technical committee – the Land Tenure Implementation Committee (LTIC) – to coordinate and steer the implementation of this process will also be constituted.
These committees will work diligently to develop improved security of tenure for land beneficiaries, while ensuring that value of agricultural and urban state land is fully unlocked to guarantee inclusive and nationwide economic development. Detailed terms of reference have been developed for the two committees.
Accordingly, the government hereby issues an indefinite moratorium on the issuance of any new 99-year leases or permits for agricultural land.
In conclusion, the government remains committed to jealously safeguarding the gains of the liberation struggle including our precious land and everything beneath it. Never again will our land fall back into the hands of our erstwhile colonisers. The utilisation of this land will be guided by our time-tested mantra: Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Zimbabwean government is allowing farmers who benefited from past land reforms to sell their land, but only to indigenous Zimbabweans. This new policy aims to provide farmers with a bankable document of tenure. The government has also stopped issuing new 99-year leases for agricultural land. The announcement may mark the end of the land reform program that took land from white owners and gave it to black Zimbabweans. The government wants to help farmers be productive, face challenges, and improve the economy. Committees will work on implementing the new policy, which aims to unlock the economic value of land and achieve an upper middle income economy by 2030.

Zimbabwe Government Eases Land Policy: Resettled Farmers Can Now Sell Land To Indigenous Blacks

The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO) has assured farmers that all seed cotton stored at common buying points (CBPs) will be transported to ginneries by mid-October and that outstanding payments for 2024 will also be processed.
This assurance comes in response to farmers’ concerns that some 2024 seed cotton remains at certain CBPs, with the local currency portion (equivalent to US$0.08) yet to be received.
Stewart Mubonderi, chairman of the Cotton Producers and Marketers Association (CPMA), said that some seed cotton at the CBPs was damaged due to recent rains. He said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/all-seed-cotton-to-be-in-ginneries-by-mid-october/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
COTTCO has not yet picked seed cotton in some CBPs in areas such as Mutoko, Chiredzi and Binga among others and the cotton was damaged by rains that fell last week.
Farmers have also not been paid their local currency component for the crop plus the grade-based differentials.
</blockquote>
COTTCO’s CEO, Rockie Mutenha, said that 76% of seed cotton has been transported from common buying points (CBPs) to ginneries, with efforts underway to complete the movement by mid-October.
He said 45 to 50% of the local currency owed to farmers has been paid, and although a local bank has a facility to cover the full amount, it is currently facing liquidity challenges but plans to disburse funds soon.
According to a COTTCO report dated September 26, the total intake from all six business units (BUs) was 9,973,909 kilogrammes, with 7,611,788 kilogrammes moved and 2,362,121 kilogrammes remaining.
The Sanyati unit has the highest outstanding amount at 910,302 kilogrammes, followed by Chiredzi, Gokwe, Chinhoyi, Muzarabani, and Kadoma.
The 2023/24 agricultural season was significantly affected by an El Niño-induced drought, leading to an 85% drop in production, from 90,084 tonnes in 2022/23 to just 13,545 tonnes this year.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

COTTCO promises to move all cotton to factories and pay farmers. Some cotton got damaged by rain but will still be moved. They have paid some money to farmers but still owe more. The CEO says they are working to finish moving cotton by mid-October. Some banks are helping with the money but are facing problems. The drought last year caused a big drop in cotton production. The report shows how much cotton has been moved and how much is left. Don't worry, the cotton will be taken care of soon!

COTTCO Pledges To Move Seed Cotton To Ginneries And Process Payments To Farmers

The government has launched a 10-week campaign aimed at eradicating fraudsters who sell counterfeit or substandard inputs to farmers ahead of the 2024/25 farming season.
This operation will span all cities, towns, and business centres, and is expected to end in mid-December depending on the market situation.
In a recent interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-launches-blitz-on-fraudulent-agro-dealers/">The Herald</a>, Edmore Mtetwa, head of the Seed Services Institute, urged farmers to purchase certified products from registered agro-dealers.
He warned that relying on unscrupulous vendors selling counterfeit or substandard inputs poses significant risks to agricultural success. Said Mtetwa:
<blockquote>
We are collaborating with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to eliminate bogus agro-dealers.
To ensure the quality and effectiveness of the products, consumers should verify that their suppliers are officially registered and that the products carry the necessary certification labels.
As an institute, we apply various methods to guarantee the eradication of counterfeit seeds from the market by licensing all seed sellers/agro-dealers across the country.
</blockquote>
The Seed Services Institute monitors seed distribution by licensed agro-dealers to ensure compliance with quality standards.
All seeds produced undergo a strict quality assurance process, ensuring they meet minimum certification criteria, including disease-free status and high germination rates.
The National Seed Authority enforces rigorous certification procedures involving variety testing, field inspections, and laboratory testing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is trying to stop people from selling fake or bad farming products to farmers. They will check all places where farmers buy things. Farmers should buy from real sellers, not tricksters. Police are helping to catch the bad sellers. The government makes sure all seeds are good quality, without diseases and can grow well. This will help farmers have a good harvest. Trustworthy places will have a label to show they are official. It's important to buy from the right place so that the crops grow well.

Government Launches Blitz On Fake Farming Inputs

The Zimbabwean government will pay an initial US$20 million this month to foreign white and local Black farmers who lost land due to farm invasions under former leader Robert Mugabe, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said on Friday, reported <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zimbabwe-compensates-foreign-local-farmers-over-land-invasions-2024-10-04/">Reuters</a>.
This payment is part of the 2024 budget and aims to restore the country’s agricultural sector and support economic revival.
The collapse of agriculture began when Mugabe initiated the seizure of productive farms in 2000, impacting many white commercial farmers and some Black Zimbabweans.
Most of the farms were owned by Zimbabwean white commercial farmers after colonialists forcibly took them from Blacks early in the 20th century.
The compensation will include foreign farmers from Belgium, Germany, and other countries, as well as 400 Black Zimbabweans.
A separate much larger $3.5 billion compensation scheme for 4,000 white Zimbabwean farmers was announced in 2020, but funds have not been released due to Zimbabwe’s financial struggles.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is working to engage Western governments to restore relations, resolve foreign debt, and revive the economy, though last year’s elections raised concerns about donor confidence.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube indicated that the dialogue process is ongoing and essential for clearing Zimbabwe’s debt arrears. He said:
<blockquote>
The dialogue process is working and will help us in clearing our arrears eventually.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is seeking an International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff-monitored program as a first step towards debt relief, with an IMF team scheduled to visit Harare in the next two weeks.
Zimbabwe’s total foreign debt stands at $12 billion, owed to various international financial institutions and private funders.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government of Zimbabwe will pay $20 million to farmers who lost land because of Robert Mugabe. This money is to help the agricultural sector and the economy. The farm seizures by Mugabe in 2000 affected white and Black farmers. The compensation includes foreign farmers and Black Zimbabweans. President Mnangagwa is working to improve international relations. Zimbabwe is trying to clear its $12 billion debt with help from the IMF. The dialogue process is ongoing to help with clearing the debt. This is good news for farmers who lost their land.

Government To Pay US$20 Million To Farmers Affected By Land Seizures

The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO) owes farmers nearly US$3 million for cotton deliveries made between 2022 and 2023.
This was revealed by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka in response to written questions from legislators during a parliamentary session this week. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200032907/cotton-farmers-owed-us3m">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
COTTCO is being mindful of the indebtedness to the farmers and engagements with various financiers are underway for facilities to liquidate the outstanding balances.
To date, US$20 917 906 has been paid against a target of US$23 722 509, hence there is an outstanding debt amounting to US$ 2 804 603.
</blockquote>
Over the years, COTTCO has faced difficulties in paying for cotton deliveries due to insufficient funding.
Cotton production in Zimbabwe has been declining as a result of several factors, including drought, climate change, low pricing, outdated crop varieties, and delays in payments.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

COTTCO, a company in Zimbabwe, owes farmers $3 million for cotton deliveries. The Minister said they are working on getting money to pay farmers. They have paid some money, but still owe a lot. COTTCO has had trouble paying farmers in the past. Cotton production in Zimbabwe is going down because of things like drought, climate change, low prices, old crops, and late payments.

COTTCO Owes Farmers US$3 Million

Zimbabwe will next month begin disbursing funds to compensate white former commercial farmers whose land was expropriated during the Fast-track Land Resettlement Programme at the turn of the millennium.
This announcement was made by Stéphane Rey, the Swiss ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, during recent celebrations for Switzerland National Day. Said Rey (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200032701/zim-moves-to-compensate-former-farm-owners">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
I want to express my appreciation for the bold steps taken, particularly the effective compensation of farmers.
This historic development is not just about financial settlement; it’s about reconciliation and moving forward.
The initial disbursements will start being effective next month. Twenty-seven Swiss farms are directly impacted.
Seventeen of them have been validated and approved for compensation this week and the remaining 10 will be examined by the end of this week.
</blockquote>
The arrears clearance and debt resolution strategy is based on Zimbabwe’s commitment to pay US$3.5 billion to former farm owners, compensating those who lost their farms despite protections under the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. This strategy also includes implementing economic and governance reforms.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has developed financial tools to help raise the necessary $3.5 billion for compensation, aiming to leverage capital markets and prevent further deterioration of Zimbabwe’s debt situation.
In 2020, Zimbabwe agreed to compensate local white farmers whose land was expropriated by the government from 2000 onwards as part of efforts to resettle black families.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe will start giving money to white farmers who lost their land during a land reform program. Switzerland is helping with this. 27 Swiss farms are affected. 17 will get money soon, and the rest will be looked at soon. Zimbabwe wants to pay $3.5 billion to compensate all the farmers. The African Development Bank is helping get the money. This is part of a plan to fix the country's debt and help move forward. Zimbabwe also agreed to compensate local white farmers in 2020 who lost their land in the past.

Zimbabwe Moves To Compensate White Farmers Affected By Land Reform

ZimTrade is developing strategies to increase rock melon production and exports to diversify the country’s export options.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200032574/zimtrade-eyes-rock-melon-exports">NewsDay</a>, the agency has set up a rock melon export group, collaborating with local universities, vocational training centres, smallholder and rural farmers, and a local consolidator called Eden Chase.
ZimTrade aims to take advantage of the growing demand for rock melons in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider Middle East, where there is an increasing appetite for Zimbabwean horticultural products.
The UAE has been identified as a key market for Zimbabwean rock melons due to its heavy reliance on imported fruits to satisfy consumer needs.
Allan Majuru, the CEO of ZimTrade, said that they are working with local farmers to help them meet production standards and other requirements for the Middle Eastern markets. Said Majuru:
<blockquote>
Our local farmers and exports have a unique opportunity to carve out a niche within this lucrative market, and there is room to leverage other crops that are already doing well in the market and existing supply routes.
To achieve successful entry into these markets, we are working with local farmers to ensure they comply with production standards and other requirements in these markets.
The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, including integrated pest management, water conservation, and organic farming methods, will ensure compliance and will also enhance the reputation of Zimbabwean produce in the targeted markets.
</blockquote>
Majuru said ZimTrade exhibited rock melons and other horticultural produce such as blueberries at Malaysia’s leading Halal showcase in a bid to unlock market access to Malaysia. He said:
<blockquote>
We deliberately placed a spotlight on rock melons and other horticultural produce such as blueberries at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, which ran from September 17 to 20.
The event presented local producers provided a unique platform for local farmers to connect directly with leading buyers in the growing Halal market, and the networking sessions, exhibitions, and business matching services, allowed local exhibitors to gain access to a diverse pool of international buyers interested in high-quality Zimbabwe-grown rock melons.
</blockquote>
Majuru revealed that Chinhoyi University of Technology has successfully exported rock melons to Dubai. Said Majuru:
<blockquote>
We have also seen enhanced cultivation techniques, driven by the research and training initiatives provided by learning institutions; promise to yield a higher quality product capable of competing in a competitive market.
Already, Chinhoyi University of Technology has successfully exported rock melons to Dubai and has emerged as a leader in the production and export of rock melons.
</blockquote>
Rock melon has a rough, netted skin that is typically orange or beige, and its flesh is sweet, juicy, and usually orange in colour and is popular in many parts of the world for its refreshing taste and high water content.
Rock melons are often eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, or blended into smoothies. Rich in vitamins A and C, rock melons are not only delicious but also nutritious.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZimTrade is helping farmers grow more rock melons to sell to other countries. They are working with universities, farmers, and a company called Eden Chase. The United Arab Emirates wants to buy rock melons from Zimbabwe. ZimTrade is teaching farmers how to grow rock melons well. They showed rock melons in Malaysia to find more buyers. A university already sent rock melons to Dubai. Rock melons are yummy, healthy fruits with lots of water. ZimTrade wants more countries to buy rock melons from Zimbabwe.

ZimTrade Plans To Boost Rock Melon Production And Export

The government’s efforts to promote the use of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG or ZiG) faced a major setback last week when the Grain Marketing Board was compelled to pay wheat farmers exclusively in United States dollars.
Farmers rejected payment in local currency, citing its sharp depreciation against the US dollar and arguing that they purchase their inputs in foreign currency.
Economists have warned that paying wheat farmers in US dollars could lead to a broader rejection of the local currency by other farmers and exporters, undermining efforts to build foreign exchange reserves.
Sources cited by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200032453/govt-in-a-fix-as-farmers-reject-zig">NewsDay</a> revealed that wheat farmers threatened to withhold their harvest in protest over payments made in ZWG, fearing potential losses.
During the 2023 winter wheat season, farmers received US$440 per tonne, with payments split 75% in US dollars and 25% in Zimbabwe dollars at the prevailing interbank rate.
This season, the new producer prices for wheat are set at US$450 per tonne for standard grade and US$470 for premium grade, with payments made exclusively in US dollars.
Former president of the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union, Wonder Chabikwa, told NewsDay that payments in US dollars would alleviate the financial burden of farming costs. He said:
<blockquote>
As wheat farmers, we have always preferred to be paid in USD directly because we are always seized with recapitalising our farms in terms of irrigation infrastructure and farming inputs.
To be able to acquire these things, we need foreign currency. Most providers of these services want to be paid in foreign currency so it is making life very difficult for us.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe National Farmers Union president Monica Chinamasa said the GMB should pay farmers timeously so that they hedge against losses. She said:
<blockquote>
We prefer to be paid in the USD component because all our financial obligations are in USD.
We pray and hope it will be paid in time, not six months down the line when interest will have accumulated on our obligations.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), introduced in April 2024, marks Zimbabwe’s sixth attempt in 15 years to establish a stable currency.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mushayavanhu said that the ZiG would be backed by foreign exchange and gold reserves.
At its launch in April, the ZiG was trading at 1:13.50 against the US dollar. Currently, it has reportedly depreciated significantly, trading between 1:25 and 1:30 on the black market.
This depreciation has led some service providers to price their goods exclusively in US dollars.
Retail chains have largely abandoned the official exchange rate, opting instead to charge prices based on the street rate and have also increased prices in USD.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government wanted farmers to use a new currency called ZiG, but wheat farmers didn't like it and wanted to be paid in US dollars. Economists worry this could make other farmers and businesses stop using the local currency. Farmers say they need US dollars to buy things for their farms and pay their bills. The new currency ZiG was meant to be stable, but it has lost value quickly. Now, some stores only accept US dollars and prices are going up. It is important for farmers to be paid on time in the currency they need to avoid losing money.

Government's Currency Reform Stalls As Wheat Farmers Reject ZiG

Farmers have welcomed the new producer prices for wheat, set at US$450 per tonne for standard grade and US$470 for premium grade, with payments made exclusively in United States dollars.
During the 2023 winter wheat season, farmers received US$440 per tonne, with payments split 75% in US dollars and 25% in Zimbabwe dollars at the prevailing interbank rate.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/farmers-upbeat-over-govts-new-wheat-producer-prices">The Sunday Mail</a> on Saturday, Grain Marketing Board (GMB) CEO Edson Badarai explained that this decision aims to boost production and productivity. He stated:
<blockquote>
After extensive consultations with all stakeholders, the parastatal decided to pay farmers exclusively in USD to encourage production. In addition to the base price, we have introduced a US$20 incentive for premium-grade wheat. These measures are part of our efforts to ensure food security every day, everywhere.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union President Shadreck Makombe expressed gratitude for the government’s responsiveness to their concerns, saying:
<blockquote>
We should give credit where it’s due. We obtain loans in foreign currency, and it has been challenging to repay them using local currency. We presented our grievances, and the government acted on them.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe National Farmers Union President Monica Chinamasa said that “farmers are pleased with how the season is progressing,” as Zimbabwe is projected to achieve a record harvest of 600,000 tonnes of wheat, surpassing last season’s record of 468,000 tonnes.
However, the tonnage figures declared by authorities have often faced criticism. The government would a surplus, stating that silos are overflowing with grain, while grain millers continue to import hundreds of thousands of metric tonnes to meet local demand.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farmers are happy because they are now getting more money for their wheat. The new prices are $450 for standard grade and $470 for premium grade, all in US dollars. Last year, they only got $440 per tonne. This change will help them produce more. The government listened to their concerns and now they are doing better. They are expected to produce a lot more wheat this year, but some people are not sure about the numbers. Overall, farmers are happy with the new prices and hope to have a successful season.

Farmers Rejoice Over New Wheat Producer Prices

Zimbabwean exporters have been granted duty-free acess to the lucrative UK market through the United Kingdom’s Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (UK ESA EPA), reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200032230/zim-granted-duty-free-access-to-uk-markets">The Independent</a>.
Zimbabwe is among the ESA countries, which also include Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar, that have signed the EPA with the UK.
The EPA is an economic arrangement aimed at removing barriers to the free movement of goods, services and investment between countries.
Speaking at a Zimbabwe-UK Business Forum hosted by ZimTrade in Harare on Thursday, Natasha Stotesbury, head of trade policy at the British High Commission in South Africa said:
The UK has signed 33 agreements in the Pacific, Caribbean and African countries, including with Zimbabwe.
<blockquote>
The agreements show the countries that are eligible for the UK developing countries trading scheme.
Our economic partnership is a development-focused free trade agreement that stimulates investment, supply chains, productivity and competition.
Our agreement provides immediate, permanent and duty-free access to the UK market for all developing countries. It provides certainty and is a positive signal to foreign investors.
We have the exclusion of certain goods from liberalisation in Zimbabwe, which helps protect the local industry from imports.
</blockquote>
She said the agreement’s rules of origin are more flexible than standard trade agreements. Said Stotesbury:
<blockquote>
The rules of origin help prevent inter-digital trade. The committee that our agreement sets up helps create a living agreement that benefits businesses and other stakeholders in the region.
To sell a product, you need to have a cause of origin, which means there are rules about where a product is manufactured.
Our trade agreement has more flexible rules of origin than standard trade agreements, which provides flexibility for businesses in Zimbabwe to source inputs or conduct processing in other countries and still qualify for duty-free access to the UK market.
We have already discussed improvements to the rules of origin, and we are looking to deepen some of the chapters, such as services and investment, to further support trade and investment.
</blockquote>
ZimTrade CEO Allan Majuru said there is a huge opportunity for local producers of coffee, flowers, vegetables, nuts, rock melons, and fruits such as mangoes, guavas, and avocados.
Reports indicate that Zimbabwe was the UK’s 102nd largest trading partner in the year leading up to March 2024, accounting for less than 0,1 per cent of the total UK trade.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean exporters can now sell things to the UK without paying any taxes. This is part of an agreement called UK ESA EPA. The goal is to make it easier for countries to trade with each other. The agreement also helps protect local businesses from too much competition. The rules for where products come from are not too strict, making it easier for businesses in Zimbabwe to sell to the UK. This is good news for Zimbabwean producers of things like coffee, flowers, and fruits. The agreement is meant to boost trade and help both countries make more money.

Zimbabwean Exporters Granted Duty-free Access To UK Markets

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has announced that it will exclusively pay for all wheat deliveries from the 2024 winter wheat season in United States dollars.
On Friday, September 13, the GMB revealed the approved producer prices for winter wheat for this season.
The “standard” wheat grade will be priced at US$450 per metric tonne, while the “premium” grade will fetch US$470 per metric tonne, with all payments made solely in foreign currency.
Previously, the GMB paid farmers with a mix of local and foreign currency. However, due to the volatility of the local currency, farmers have been advocating for payments to be made entirely in USD. Said GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai:
<blockquote>
GMB will purchase all wheat financed under the Presidential Input Programme (PIP), and also wheat from Self-financed farmers, wherein Self-financed farmers will sale to the best advantage, either to GMB or the market. In addition, GMB remains the buyer of last resort.
Contractors will buy back contracted wheat at market prices. Furthermore, GMB, working with ZMX, shall provide commercial warehouse receipts services to all players.
GMB is committed to working with farmers and all stakeholders in contributing to the national food security.
For any clarification, the public can contact the GMB Corporate Communications Department through the telephone line +263 8677004941 or email at publicrelations@gmbdura.co.zw.
</blockquote>
While this announcement is likely to please wheat farmers, some commentators have queried why other farmers, such as those growing tobacco and maize, received partial payments in local currency.
Critics suggest that the governing elite, who are believed to be the majority of wheat farmers, are reluctant to accept payments in the Zimbabwean dollar (ZiG) due to its instability, therefore, the move by GMB to buy wheat solely in foreign currency.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Grain Marketing Board will pay wheat farmers only in US dollars from 2024. Standard wheat will be $450 per ton, premium will be $470. GMB used to pay in local and foreign currency, but now farmers want only USD. GMB will buy wheat from all sources and provide warehouse services. Other farmers wonder why they don't get full USD payments. Critics say elite wheat farmers avoid Zimbabwean dollar. GMB wants to help national food security. Contact GMB for more info.

Wheat Farmers To Receive All Payments In Foreign Currency

Commercial livestock farmers are advocating for the creation of a structured livestock finance facility to foster growth and development in the sector.
In an interview with <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/farmers-appeal-for-assistance/">Business Times</a> on the sidelines of the annual national agribusiness conference on Wednesday at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) in Harare, Reneth Mano, CEO of the Livestock and Meat Advisory Council, emphasised the necessity for banks and the government to provide support to livestock farmers. Said Mano:
<blockquote>
…we work hand in hand with the government and we have been advocating for (financial support) on the livestock side, similar and parallel to what we do with the crop production side.
I think in Zimbabwe we know that the livestock industry, the production system plays a very important role in uplifting the livelihoods of two-thirds of the population in Zimbabwe who reside in areas that raise a lot of cattle and a lot of goats.
So, we have proposed that we need a properly structured livestock finance facility with co-financing coming from the banks and from the government.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, crop farmers, including those growing tobacco and cotton, benefit from contract farming arrangements.
Meanwhile, subsistence farmers receive free inputs through the Presidential Input Scheme, which supports smallholder farmers across the country. Added Mano:
<blockquote>
We believe that the livestock industry by its very nature, any financing of growth and development, particularly focusing on multiplication of heifers making sure people have adequate capacity to breed enough animals.”
We believe that a properly structured (financial) facility for the livestock sector, with input coming from farmers themselves, coming from the players in the value chain, will have a very good chance of transforming the livestock sector and really anchoring the sector for growth in the export space.
</blockquote>
Earlier this month, a Zimbabwean cattle rancher, Collen Tafireyi, shattered cattle auction records at the Hurwitz Farming Production Auction held at the Bull Ring Auction House in Davel, Mpumalanga, South Africa, by buying a prized Boran Stud bull for a whopping R8 million (US$444 000).
Tafireyi is a Boran breeder at Sinyo Boran Stud in Hwedza, Mashonaland East Province.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Livestock farmers in Zimbabwe want a special money program to help them grow their businesses. The CEO of the Livestock and Meat Advisory Council says that farmers who raise cattle and goats need support like crop farmers do. They want banks and the government to give them money to help them buy more animals and improve their farms. This will help them sell more meat and other products to make more money. One farmer even spent a lot of money on a special bull to improve his cattle farm. Livestock farmers hope this new money program will help them grow and sell more in the future.

Livestock Farmers Call For Finance Facility To Boost Sector Growth

Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ) has donated 80 metric tonnes of molasses to be used to prepare supplementary cattle feed in Masvingo’s seven districts.
The donation is aimed at mitigating the devastating effects of the El Niño-induced drought in the region.
Commenting on the initiative, Dahlia Garwe, THZ’s Head of Corporate and Industrial Affairs, said that the programme is part of the company’s Socio-Economic Policy (SEP) to support local communities. Said Garwe (via <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/tongaat-donates-80-metric-tonnes-of-mollases-to-fight-drought/">The Mirror</a>):
<blockquote>
We have donated 80 metric tonnes of molasses to Masvingo districts through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Services (AGRITEX) targeting farmers in Bikita, Chiredzi, Chivi, Gutu, Masvingo, Mwenezi and Zaka.
The molasses will be used to prepare supplementary cattle feed. This is to assist farmers who are hard hit by El Nino induced drought and some of them are on the verge of losing livestock due to lack of feed.
One of the areas we focus on in the company’s Socio-Economic Policy (SEP) is community development so this donation fall under this.
We extended assistance to the communities in the district as relief to low cattle feed stock.
</blockquote>
Chiredzi Rural District Council Chairperson, Aspect Mashingaidze, commended the sugar-producing company for the donation. He said:
<blockquote>
We are grateful, my ward received a consignment of molasses from Tongaat. THZ has rendered a helping hand whenever it is needed.
</blockquote>
Molasses is a thick, dark brown by-product that is left over after sugarcane is processed to extract their sugar.
It is a viscous, sweetened and slightly acidic syrup that is a common ingredient in many foods and animal feeds.
It is used to add palatability, bind ingredients together, and provide nutritional value as an energy source for livestock.
In May this year, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere said that the El Nino-induced drought had claimed close to 10 000 cattle countrywide in the 2023-2024 farming season and the most affected areas are in Matabeleland North and South provinces.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe has given 80 metric tonnes of molasses to help farmers in Masvingo who are struggling because of a drought. The molasses will be used to make food for the cattle. This donation is part of the company's effort to help local communities. The Chairperson of Chiredzi Rural District Council thanked Tongaat Hulett for their help. Molasses is a sweet, thick syrup made from sugarcane. The drought has been hard on farmers, causing many to lose their cattle. This donation will provide much-needed help to the affected farmers.

Tongaat Hulett Donates Molasses To Aid Drought-Stricken Masvingo Cattle Farmers

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has compared President Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm, located on the outskirts of Kwekwe, to the Garden of Eden, exclaiming, “I have just toured the Garden of Eden!”
The Garden of Eden, as described in the Book of Genesis, is a biblical paradise characterised by lush landscapes and abundant life, filled with fruit-bearing trees.
Masisi, who extended his stay in Zimbabwe following the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare on August 17, 2024, toured Precabe Farm alongside Mnangagwa on Sunday.
During the visit, he explored a wheat field and observed the renowned Ankole cattle being raised on the farm. He said (via <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/pricabe-stuns-president-masisi/">Chronicle</a>):
<blockquote>
I am floored, I am flabbergasted. I could never have imagined that what I hear and read about, I would actually see it… I am touching the Garden of Eden.
He (President Mnangagwa) did tell me the granaries are overflowing. And I believe it. What I am proud of is that there is a President who feeds people.
He doesn’t just feed Zimbabweans, he feeds Africa. So what he speaks about is what he does. And I am just absolutely in awe, literally.
So I have a lot to say when I get home. There’s a lot to say. I testify like you can’t believe. And if they doubt it, they will come here.
</blockquote>
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, who also visited Precabe Farm, urged other SADC member states to emulate the impressive production practices demonstrated there.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Botswana President Masisi said Mnangagwa's farm is like the Garden of Eden, filled with good things. He visited the farm and saw wheat fields and special cattle. Masisi was very impressed and said Mnangagwa feeds many people, not just in Zimbabwe, but in all of Africa. Other leaders also visited the farm and were amazed by how well it works. They hope other countries in Africa will learn from Mnangagwa's farm and produce more food for everyone.

Botswana President Hails Mnangagwa’s Farm As A Modern-Day Garden Of Eden

Zimbabwean cattle rancher, Collen Tafireyi, shattered cattle auction records at the Hurwitz Farming Production Auction held at the Bull Ring Auction House in Davel, Mpumalanga, South Africa, recently by buying a prized Boran Stud bull for a whopping R8 million (US$444 000).
Tafireyi is a Boran breeder at Sinyo Boran Stud in Hwedza, Mashonaland East Province.
The Zimbabwean farmer outbid other Boran enthusiasts including his friend and neighbour, Rogers Sithole of Black Ox Farming.
Speaking in an interview recorded on YouTube just after the auction, Tafireyi said:
<blockquote>
This was not about the price. It was about getting what I value most — the biggest and best Boran stud in Africa. I want to be among the best Boran breeders on the continent. I want to be known for the best quality and cattle genetics in Africa and beyond.
I have only been in the industry for three years but my plan is to transform the entire cattle industry in Zimbabwe and to do that we must have the best genetics and the best bulls for the right combinations…
Boran cattle are drought tolerant, they eat anything, and do well even under difficult conditions. They are the breed for Africa and this bull will be the cornerstone of my project, as I push to become the biggest Boran breeder in Africa.
</blockquote>
Tafireyi’s prized bull, Cyclone, was bred and sold by brothers Simeon and Jarren Hurwitz of Hurwitz Farming.
Boran cattle are a breed of beef cattle that originated in the Borana region of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya.
Boran cattle are well-adapted to hot, arid climates and can thrive in temperatures up to 40°C due to their ability to regulate their body temperature effectively.
They can withstand prolonged periods of drought and scarcity of water and feed. They can survive on sparse vegetation and can go for long periods without water.
Boran cattle have a strong natural resistance to many tropical diseases, such as East Coast fever, trypanosomiasis, and foot-and-mouth disease.
The cows have a high fertility rate, with the ability to calve every 12-14 months. They reach sexual maturity at a relatively young age, around 18-24 months.
Boran cattle produce high-quality beef with a favourable meat-to-bone ratio and a good balance of muscle and fat.
Further, Boran cattle are generally calm and docile, making them easy to handle and manage.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man from Zimbabwe spent a lot of money to buy a special bull from South Africa. The bull is a Boran breed, known for being strong and tough. The man wants to breed the best Boran cattle in Africa. Boran cattle are good for hot and dry areas, can survive with little food and water, and are resistant to diseases. They also produce good quality beef. The man's prized bull, Cyclone, will help him achieve his goal of becoming a top Boran breeder.

Zimbabwean Cattle Rancher Invests R8 Million In Boran Bull From South Africa

The Matabeleland Development Initiative (MDI) has urged the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to increase awareness among villagers and rural farmers about its proposed cattle auction centres.
This comes after the Ministry of Agriculture announced a ban on household and village-level cattle sales last month, stating that all cattle must be sold at ward-based cattle sales
Speaking in Parliament last week, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Anxious Masuka, said that this move is intended to protect farmers from unscrupulous buyers who exploit their desperation to purchase livestock at very low prices.
Responding to questions from <a href="https://cite.org.zw/mdi-calls-for-clarity-on-centralised-cattle-auctions/">CITE</a>, MDI Chairman and Founder, Freeman Ncube, said the government should provide adequate information about the move. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
Although we are concerned that not enough information regarding the sale of livestock was disclosed to villagers or rural folk to understand the processes of selling their livestock, including how they will be taxed and the movement of livestock.
There is a lot of confusion regarding all this, and we believe that there was not enough time to educate people about the selling of livestock and the processes involved.
</blockquote>
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Mthuli Ncube, recently scrapped the 15 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on live animal sales, a move that was welcomed by farmers.
Presenting the 2024 mid-term budget policy review last week, Ncube proposed the exemption of VAT on the sale of live animals to restore demand for meat while at the same time promoting formal trade in the livestock sector.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The MDI wants the government to explain the new rules about selling cattle. The Ministry of Agriculture says all cattle must be sold at specific places, not in villages. This is to protect farmers from unfair buyers. But the MDI says people need more information about this change. The government should tell villagers how to sell their animals and what rules to follow. The Finance Minister removed a tax on selling live animals to help farmers. The MDI thinks people need more time to understand the new rules.

Matabeleland Development Initiative Calls For Clarity On Centralised Cattle Auctions

The Government has banned individual-based cattle sales to establish ward-based unit cattle sales.
This move is intended to protect farmers from unscrupulous buyers who exploit their desperation to purchase livestock at very low prices.
Speaking in Parliament last week, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Anxious Masuka, explained that the ban on all household-based and village-based cattle sales aims to prevent panic-selling.
This is particularly crucial given that some households may be compelled to offload their livestock due to the El Nino-induced drought.
According to an excerpt from the Hansard, the official verbatim record of parliamentary proceedings, cattle sales will now be centralised at designated ward-level drought mitigation centres on advertised calendar days.
This new system is expected to provide farmers with more structured and regulated sales opportunities, shielding them from exploitative practices. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
This measure is intended to protect cattle from theft and ensure that farmers receive higher prices through a competitive bidding process.
The Deputy Minister, Hon. Marapira, is currently working to finalise the sales calendar for all 1,620 rural wards in the country, operationalising the proposed ward-based unit cattle sale.
</blockquote>
Masuka also said the Government has procured deep-drilling rigs that can reach depths of 400 metres.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Mthuli Ncube, recently scrapped the 15 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on live animal sales, a move that was welcomed by farmers.
Presenting the 2024 mid-term budget policy review last week, Ncube proposed the exemption of VAT on the sale of live animals to restore demand for meat while at the same time promoting formal trade in the livestock sector.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government has stopped people from selling cows in their villages. Now, they can only sell cows in specific places on certain days. This is to protect farmers from being tricked into selling their cattle for very low prices. The goal is to stop people from selling cows in a panic because of a drought. The government is also trying to help farmers get better prices for their cows by having a fair bidding process. Also, there will be no more tax on selling live animals to encourage people to trade livestock in a better way.

Government Bans Village-based Cattle Sales

Livestock farmers have welcomed the government’s recent decision to scrap the 15 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on live animal sales.
Presenting the 2024 mid-term budget policy review last week, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Mthuli Ncube, said 85 per cent of live animals were sourced from smallholder farmers, most of whom are ineligible for VAT registration, which means that the tax had no economic benefit to the country.
Ncube also noted that due to the El Nino-induced drought there had also been a decline in demand for livestock products.
Livestock farmers say the removal of 15 per cent VAT on live animal sales will lead to better-organised markets and improved profitability, ultimately contributing to the overall development of the agricultural sector.
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/farmers-hail-scrapping-of-vat-on-live-animal-sales/">Chronicle</a>, prominent Esigodini farmer, Obert Chinhamo of Biano Simmentals, said they have been lobbying the Government through various platforms to remove VAT, arguing that it pushed downward the prices of livestock since it was effected in January. Said Chinhamo:
<blockquote>
It is a very good move and as farmers we have been lobbying through various platforms to have the VAT issue reversed and we are grateful to the listening ears.
The buyers obviously with added VAT were pushing the cost to farmers and so, to a farmer, it meant we were paid a lower rate by 15 per cent or more.
So, if we retain the US$0,15 per dollar it means a significant amount is coming to the farmer…
We have the Beef Producer’s Society, Livestock and Meat Advisory Council (LMAC) and farmers’ unions. All have been actively lobbying on behalf of farmers.
</blockquote>
Last week, Ncube proposed the exemption of VAT on the sale of live animals to restore demand for meat while at the same time promoting formal trade in the livestock sector.
During the 2024 National Budget presentation in November 2023, Ncube announced that standard VAT increased to 15 per cent from 14,5 per cent effective January 1, 2024. This prompted an increase in the prices of meat products.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Livestock farmers are happy because the government removed the 15% VAT on live animal sales. The Finance Minister said most farmers could not benefit from the VAT, so it was not helping the country's economy. The drought also caused less demand for animal products. Farmers believe that removing the VAT will make markets better and they will make more money. A farmer named Chinhamo said the VAT made farmers get less money for their animals. The government wants to increase demand for meat and boost trade in livestock.

Farmers Welcome Removal Of VAT On Live Animal Sales

Several farmers in Beitbridge are counting their losses after their irrigated crops were ravaged by frostbite – a phenomenon reportedly unprecedented in the district in recent memory.
Beitbridge district Agritex officer Masauso Mawocha confirmed to the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200029690/frostbite-hits-beitbridge-destroys-crops">Southern Eye</a> that the frost has severely impacted crops across the district, citing the example of the sugar bean crop at the Shashi Community Irrigation Scheme being particularly affected. Said Mawocha:
<blockquote>
We have several reports like that from across the district’s irrigated cropping.
Crops have been hit by frostbite and some reports have come from wards 5 and 12. It is an unusually cold winter.
This winter has been particularly bad for crops. Another farmer lost a whole winter maize crop in central Beitbridge.
</blockquote>
Elizabeth Ndou of Beitbridge East said her irrigated fodder was hit by frostbite. She said:
<blockquote>
We woke up to see ice on the grass and trees. It was extremely cold in the morning and we had never experienced such a cold winter before.
</blockquote>
Beitbridge businessman and cattle farmer Terry Charles Mulowa said:
<blockquote>
There is no other way, but to restart. I had a variety of fodder plants and none was spared by the cold.
</blockquote>
Veterinary Department head Rutendo Mwaramba referred questions to her superiors in Harare when contacted for comment.
Tariro Moyo, who lives near the Limpopo River, said she had never seen anything like that in her lifetime.
Southern Eye reported a source at the Beitbridge Meteorological Station as saying they had never recorded such low temperatures in years. Said the source:
<blockquote>
Last week on Tuesday and Wednesday, we had ground temperatures at -3C, while the atmospheric temperature was at -0,8 all in the negative.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe endured its most severe drought in four decades during the 2023/24 summer season, which was then followed by an unusually harsh winter, particularly in the late June and early July period of 2024.
In Zimbabwe, there is a longstanding belief that summer seasons with below-average rainfall are often followed by extremely cold winters.
However, Met Office records from the United Kingdom over the past 50 years suggest that prolonged, hot summers are just as likely to be followed by a mild winter as they are by a bitterly cold one. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2003/oct/23/thisweekssciencequestions1">Derek Hardy at the Met Office said</a>:
<blockquote>
As far as we can tell, it’s completely random. You really wouldn’t want to put money on it.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

In Beitbridge, frost destroyed crops that were being watered. Farmers lost a lot of food. The frost was very bad this year, worse than before. It was so cold that even ice formed on the grass and trees. This was unusual for that area. It was a bad winter for crops. The weather has been strange, with cold ground temperatures. Zimbabwe had a very dry summer before this cold winter. Sometimes dry summers make winters extra cold. However, weather experts say it's hard to predict if a hot summer means a cold winter.

Frost Destroys Irrigated Crops In Beitbridge

The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has extended the 2024 cotton marketing season to 31 July as farmers in different areas still have cotton maturing in their fields.
This year’s cotton marketing season was supposed to run up to 06 July.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/business/article/200029696/cotton-marketing-session-extended">NewsDay</a>, AMA chief executive officer Clever Isaya said that late rains and drought resulted in the late maturing of cotton. Said Isaya:
<blockquote>
We had a delay in the last farming season because of the late rains and the droughts. Right now, there are still farmers in different farming areas who still have their cotton seeds maturing and still preparing for sale…
There were low yields, and it has been challenging, characterised by a late and false start of the rains followed by prolonged dry spells.
</blockquote>
AMA extended the cut-off marketing dates for farmers in Mashonaland Central, Gokwe, Chiredzi, Sanyati, Bulawayo, Chinhoyi, Marondera, and Mutare, with the longest extension ending on July 31, 2024.
Isaya said that cases of side marketing have been relatively few this season due to the quota system implemented earlier this year. He said:
<blockquote>
We have had very isolated cases of side marketing. This season, we implemented the quota system, and it has been very instrumental in dealing with side marketing.
There were very few cases, I think we only recorded only two cases of side marketing.
</blockquote>
AMA implemented a quota system that was based on the level of support each contractor had provided to farmers during the current agricultural season.
Under the quota system, no contractor was permitted to purchase crops outside of their assigned quota, except for self-financed crops.
Meanwhile, AMA set this season’s minimum prices for the “white gold” at US$0,43 per kg for Grade A, US$0,39/kg (Grade B), US$0,36/kg (Grade C) and US$0,32 (Grade D).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The cotton marketing season has been extended to July 31 because some cotton is still growing late due to late rains and drought. The extension is for areas like Mashonaland Central, Gokwe, Chiredzi, Sanyati, Bulawayo, Chinhoyi, Marondera, and Mutare. There have been few cases of side marketing this season because of a quota system. The minimum prices for cotton this season are US$0.43 per kg for Grade A, US$0.39/kg for Grade B, US$0.36/kg for Grade C, and US$0.32/kg for Grade D.

Cotton Marketing Season Extended

A new banana processing plant under construction in Hauna, Mutasa District, Manicaland Province, is instilling hope among farmers in the Honde Valley, <a href="https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/processing-plant-brings-hope-banana-farmers-zimbabwe">reported ILO</a>.
First proposed in 2018, the plant, supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), aims to assist local banana farmers by improving market access, and transportation, and reducing post-harvest losses, while also addressing issues like gender-based violence.
The initiative arose from the realization that despite abundant banana plantations in the district and surrounding areas, farmers faced significant challenges.
These included difficulties in accessing markets, frequent accidents during transportation, and instances of gender-based violence linked to women spending extended periods away from home to sell their banana produce.
Shadreck Bvute, a veteran farmer, highlighted the specific challenges faced by farmers in the Honde Valley. He said:
<blockquote>
I have been a banana farmer since 2014. This is my main source of income. I am not employed elsewhere; my home is my office. I spend day and night farming bananas.
The buyers set the prices without considering our cost of production. So we are forced to sell bananas at very low prices. At the same time, when bananas are flooded, they rot.
</blockquote>
He also said the other common challenges are transportation and access to markets.
Enoch Chapinduka, an Agritex supervisor, said having a plant here will reduce losses and improve farmers’ incomes. Said Chapinduka:
<blockquote>
The major challenge is middlemen buying bananas at low prices. Farmers lose much to them, and the cost of inputs is high.
The markets are too far away. Having a plant here will reduce accidents and improve farmers’ incomes and will greatly arrest recurrent post-harvest losses.
</blockquote>
The International Labour Organization and the Ministry of Agriculture have organized multiple training sessions and workshops to educate farmers on the operations of the processing plant.
According to Alderman Tsatukana Chinhanhu, the project has already generated employment opportunities for local youths who received training at Magamba Training School and are now actively involved in constructing the factory.
Shadreck is optimistic that the banana processing plant will benefit the entire community, given that banana cultivation involves the whole community. He said:
<blockquote>
Everyone is looking forward to this. Even if they do not work at the factory, they can supply their produce for processing.
There is no homestead without a banana plant in this area because bananas grow well here.
We are encouraged to keep this processing plant busy. The younger generation must focus on ensuring a constant supply of bananas to keep the plant running.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A new banana processing plant is being built in Zimbabwe to help local farmers. The plant will improve market access, transportation, and reduce post-harvest losses. Farmers in the Honde Valley face challenges like low banana prices, accidents during transportation, and gender-based violence. The plant will create jobs and training opportunities for the community. With the support of the International Labour Organization and the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers are being educated on how the plant will work. The goal is to benefit everyone in the community and keep the plant running smoothly.

New Processing Plant Brings Hope To Banana Farmers in Zimbabwe

The government has said price guidelines for contracted farmers are not a form of price control, as the private sector will ultimately determine the prices based on supply and demand dynamics.
During a question and answer session in the National Assembly, Vangelis Peter Haritatos, the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, clarified the government’s position.
He explained that the prices announced by the government are the rates that will be used by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) when purchasing produce from the contracted farmers.
The Deputy Minister asserted that the private sector will still have the flexibility to set prices that align with market conditions of supply and demand. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200029442/govt-to-set-price-guidelines-for-farmers">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
We are not about setting price controls or anything to that effect. What we do, essentially, we announce a price for whatever is contracted to the government.
So, when we talk of the Presidential Input Programme or National Agricultural Programme, these are related to the government.
For us, we feel it is right to announce pre-planting prices as well as producer prices so that at least our farmers understand before they even go into that crop.
During price guideline implementation will bring [together] all stakeholders, farmers, input suppliers and also contractors.
We are the buyers of grain. We need to announce the prices and the hope is that consumers and the public take that as a guiding price so that our farmers can get similar prices.
</blockquote>
Last month, GMB announced a new payment structure for grains, which will see farmers receive US dollar payments upon delivery of their produce.
As reported by <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/gmb-announces-new-producer-prices">The Sunday Mail</a>, maize and traditional grains will fetch US$390 per tonne, with sunflower seeds earning US$713 per tonne, up from US$696.
The producer price for soya beans has been set at US$620 per tonne, up from US$580.
In the past, GMB paid farmers a mixture of US dollars and local currency for their crops.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government has set price guidelines for farmers who have contracts, but this is not controlling the prices. The private sector will still decide the prices based on supply and demand. The government is only announcing the prices that will be used by the Grain Marketing Board when buying crops from contracted farmers. Farmers will still have the flexibility to set their own prices according to market conditions. Recently, GMB announced new payment rates for different grains, with farmers now receiving payments in US dollars upon delivery. In the past, farmers were paid in a mix of US dollars and local currency.

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