Regional Human Capital Operations Manager – Human Capital x2 (Harare)

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ABAP Developer: Level 9 (Harare)

Procurement Manager: D5 (Harare)

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Food Security and Livelihoods Head of Department (Harare)

Accountant (Harare)

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Assistant Valuer Grade 7

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Administrator (Bindura)

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Staff Development Fellow: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology x4 (Harare)

Staff Development Fellow: Department of Construction & Civil Engineering (Harare)

Officer: Student Residential and Logistical Services (Harare)

Student Development Officers (Harare)

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General Hand (Harare)

Locum Pharmacists (Mutare & Ngezi)

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Drivers (Harare Campus)

Artisan Supervisor – Fleet Maintenance (Gweru)

Transport and Logistics Officer - Tracking (Gweru)

SHEQ Intern/ Attaché (Bulawayo)

Nutrition Officer (Mutare)

Team Leader (Mutare)

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Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (Mutare)

Assistant Accountant-Retail (Harare)

Trainee Risk Officer (Harare)

Sales Manager (Bulawayo)

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>

Pindula News

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.

Government Says Price Guidelines For Contracted Farmers Not Price Control

Seed Co Limited is owed a substantial US$13.31 million by the Zimbabwean government for seed supplied during the previous farming season.
The government procures maize seed for its Pfumvudza and Presidential Input Scheme programmes, which provide subsistence farmers with free agricultural inputs.
These government-backed initiatives aim to support smallholder farmers by supplying them with essential inputs, including seed, fertilizers, and other resources.
The programmes play a crucial role in enhancing food security and supporting the livelihoods of vulnerable farming communities.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/business/article/200029289/govt-owes-seedco-staggering-us13m">The Standard</a> on the sidelines of the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) held in Harare last week, SeedCo chief executive officer Morgan Nzwere said:
<blockquote>
Well, the main amount is about US$13 million which is still owed by the central government.
However, the government is an important customer so every year they buy a lot of seeds.
There have been some liquidity challenges that have arisen as a result of that debt not being cleared.
However, it does not worry us that much as we have never written off government debt.
We know that there will be some payment challenges but eventually, they do clear their debt.
</blockquote>
Nzwere said that the US$13.31 million debt owed by the Zimbabwean government has plunged the company into a severe liquidity crisis.
To cover the funding gap, Seed Co has been forced to borrow extensively from banks, incurring significant bank charges that eat into the company’s profits. He said:
<blockquote>
The big challenge that it creates for us is we then have to go to the banks to borrow to cover that gap and that results in finance charges which then eat into the profit.
I do not know why the government would delay payments. But we engaged them, and we have been receiving some payments.
It is just that we would like the payments to be cleared a lot quicker to save on interest so that we do not go to the banks to borrow. But, you know, the government has got many priorities.
</blockquote>
In a presentation delivered during Seed Co’s annual general meeting (AGM), revealed that the Zimbabwean government had cleared around 43% of the initial US$23.4 million debt owed to the company.
This reduced the outstanding balance to approximately US$13.31 million.
Nzwere expressed optimism that the remaining debt would be fully settled before the commencement of the next farming season. He said:
<blockquote>
We have been seeing payments coming through. What they (government) can do is give you a definite plan to say we will pay you so much by such and such a date, but we have been seeing payments coming through.
</blockquote>
 Nzwere said local demand for seed in Zimbabwe was severely affected by the El Niño-induced drought.
In response, the company is planning to increase its focus on foreign markets to generate foreign currency (forex) through export revenues.
Nzwere revealed that Seed Co is currently exporting seed to various East African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Burundi, and Rwanda.
Seed Co operates in a total of 35 African countries, with direct operations in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Government Owes Seed Co US$13.31 Million

The government has banned household cattle sales and urged farmers to use village business unit (VBUs) auctions.
Speaking during a press conference held in Harare on Tuesday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos, said with immediate effect, cattle sales would be conducted through ward-based business unit sales pens.
This development follows reports that villagers across the country are desperately selling their livestock at heavily discounted prices.
Faced with the threat of their cattle dying of starvation due to the severe shortage of grazing pastures caused by the El Niño-induced drought during the 2023/24 rainy season, these vulnerable communities are forced to offload their livestock for a fraction of their true value, rather than risk losing them entirely. Said Haritatos (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/no-cattle-sales-at-household-level-govt/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
The Government wishes to declare that no sales be conducted at household level but through the village based business unit sale pens.
The Government has created village business units at ward level to assist farmers realise the best value for their animals during sales.
</blockquote>
Faced with the country’s worst drought in 40 years, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the drought a state of disaster.
The second crop and livestock assessment held in April indicated fair grazing and adequate drinking water availability for up to nine months in the good areas and against three months in the worst affected areas. Said Haritatos:
<blockquote>
For this reason, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has developed a myriad of drought mitigation strategies to prevent losses in all livestock species including beef, dairy cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and poultry.
Preparations are still underway to capacitate VBUs to hold livestock sales with at least 900 so far confirmed ready.
</blockquote>
He said the Government will coordinate ward-based sales and bring in buyers including abattoir operators.
Haritatos said the other services that will be offered at the VBUs include fodder production, feed formulation and processing of fodder as well as multi-purpose solar-powered boreholes to provide water for livestock and feedlot facilities.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Bans Cattle Sales At Household Level

The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka, has announced that the Presidential Goat Scheme will resume after a full reflection on necessary improvements, learning from the previous mistakes, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-working-on-revamping-presidential-goat-scheme/">The Herald</a>.
According to Masuka, about 6,000 goats were distributed under the scheme. However, the programme came to a halt when the contracted suppliers failed to deliver the promised goats.
He said the programme was supposed to benefit 35,000 villages, including traditional chiefs, headmen, village heads and a possible 1,8 million homesteads.
Masuka made the remarks while responding to questions from Manicaland Senator, Irene Zindi (ZANU PF), who wanted to know what became of the Presidential Goat Scheme. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
When the programme was mooted, we wanted to give the goats to chiefs, headmen and village heads.
</blockquote>
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development had awarded a contract to Blackdeck Private Limited, a company owned by Moses Mpofu (49), to supply the goats under the Presidential Goat Scheme.
However, the matter has now taken a concerning turn, as Mpofu and his business partner, Mike Chimombe (43), have been arrested and charged with fraud.
The charges are related to the alleged irregular manner in which the duo secured the tender to supply the goats for the scheme.
It is alleged that the accused persons forged a ZIMRA Tax clearance certificate and an NSSA compliance certificate in the name of Blackdeck Private Limited and attached them in a bidding document which they submitted to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development for a tender for the supply and delivery of goats for the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.
Chimombe and Mpofu allegedly misrepresented that the company was in full compliance with ZIMRA and NSSA requirements.
However, investigations indicated that the QR code and the reference on the NSSA compliance certificate were issued to a different company.
It is further alleged that Blackdeck Private Limited was deregistered from the NSSA system in January 2016. 
The NPA said further investigations established that Blackdeck Private Limited was not issued with a ZIMRA tax clearance certificate for the year 2021 and that the QR code on the forged tax clearance certificate belonged to a different company. 
The Ministry transferred ZWL$901 294 200 and ZWL$698 705 800 on 21 April 2022 and 28 June 2022 respectively into their bank account.
The total amount was ZWL$1.6 billion and was equivalent to US$7 712 197.
Chimombe and Mpofu allegedly lied to the Ministry that they had mobilised 32 500 goats across the provinces, when in fact, they only had 3,713 goats in their holding sites.
The duo only supplied a total of 4 208 goats valued at US$331 445 and went on to convert US$7 380 751 to their personal use.
The Ministry cancelled the contract on 29 August 2022.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Presidential Goat Scheme To Resume, Says Minister Masuka

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) announced a new payment structure for grains on Friday, 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.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president, Shadreck Makombe welcomed the announcement. He said:
<blockquote>
This is going to have a positive impact and that is exactly what we were asking for all these years. The government is sensitive to the farmers’ plight. This means we are moving forward as a team.
We applaud Government for that and it is up to us as farmers to do what we know best, that is to produce for national food security.
</blockquote>
Edson Badarai, CEO of the Grain Marketing Board, said that farmers will now be paid for their delivered produce within 21 days. He said:
<blockquote>
We are encouraging farmers to deliver maize and other grains to GMB and payment will be made within 21 days.
Having our silos full will ensure that the whole nation is well-fed and no one will die of hunger as promised by President Mnangagwa.
</blockquote>
This comes two weeks after GMB said it had cleared a payment of US$3.29 million to farmers who delivered wheat, maize and other grains during the past winter and summer seasons respectively.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Announces New Producer Prices

The Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO) have warned cotton farmers who received farming inputs disbursed under the Presidential Input Scheme (PIS) against side marketing their harvest.
Side marketing refers to a situation where farmers, especially those engaged in contract farming, sell their produce to buyers other than the contracted purchaser.
In a joint statement issued this Thursday, June 20, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi and COTTCO Chief Executive Officer Roki Mutenha, said farmers who engage in side-marketing seed cotton produced through PIS and buyers who will try to influence farmers to engage in side marketing will be arrested. Part of the statement reads:
<blockquote>
The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are working together to secure seed cotton produced from inputs disbursed under the Presidential Input Scheme (PIS).
Farmers who benefitted from this programme are requested to deliver their produce to Cottco and shun side marketing.
COTTCO is the official off-taker of all the seed cotton produced under (PIS). The broader commitment by the Government in rolling out this programme is to ensure sustenance, employment creation, rural development and bolstering of the cotton. value chain in line with National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030.
</blockquote>
COTTCO has assured farmers that it will make immediate payments for seed cotton delivered at common buying points.
The ZRP urged farmers to secure their funds and minimize the risks of robberies as well as the potential loss of funds.
Under the Presidential Inputs Scheme, farmers receive inputs such as seeds, chemicals, fertilisers, tillage and agronomy support at no cost.
In return, they are expected to establish, maintain and deliver seed cotton to COTTCO when the marketing season commences. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure that the law takes its course on anyone found to be side-marketing seed cotton produced through the Presidential Input Scheme (PIS).
In this regard, any buyer who will try to influence farmers to engage in side marketing activities will also be brought to book.
</blockquote>
Early this month, a Hurungwe farmer, Augustine Nyamadzawo (38) from Nkani village, Chief Nematombo, Magunje was arraigned before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court for side-marketing his tobacco harvest.
Nyamadzawo was charged with contravening the Farmers Stop Order Act, that is, “dealing with the whole or part of any crop or any proceeds thereof in such a manner as to avoid or to be likely to avoid the due payment of any prescribed costs, addressee’s fees, registered stop-orders or special stop-orders relating to such crop.”
The complainant, who was the contractor, Boost Hail and Cotton Private Limited, suffered prejudice of US$829 and nothing was recovered.
Nyamadzawo was convicted and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment by the Karoi Magistrates’ Court. Four (4) months were suspended on condition of restitution of US$829 by 01 July 2024. In addition, 2 months was suspended on condition he pays a fine of US$150.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police, COTTCO Vow Stern Action Against Cotton Farmers Involved Side Marketing

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) said this week, a payment of US$3.29 million was made to farmers who delivered maize and other grains from 01 April 2024.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 13, GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai urged farmers to deliver maize and other grains to GMB, saying payment will be made within 21 days.
GMB is currently paying US$390 for a tonne of maize and traditional grains, with no ZiG component.
The USD component for a tonne of sunflower is US$418 and the ZiG component is equivalent is US$278, to give a total of US$696.
For a tonne of soya beans, the USD component is US$348, while the ZiG component is equivalent to US$232, to give a total of US$580.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Pledges To Pay Maize Farmers Within 21 Days

Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Clemence Guta has said the parastatal has cleared all outstanding payments to wheat farmers for deliveries of the crop from last season after receiving over US$5 million from the Treasury this week.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 04 June 2024, Guta said the US$5.3 million payment brings total earnings by wheat farmers for last year’s crop to US$44 million. Said Guta:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board wishes to advise our valued customers and stakeholders that all outstanding payments for wheat farmers have been fully made.
The Grain Marketing Board this week received USD 5.3 million to clear all outstanding wheat payments from the last season, bringing total payments to USD 44 million.
GMB appreciates the support it received from the Treasury in mobilising financial resources and making farmer payments a top priority.
GMB recognises and values the resilience and commitment of our farmers who are spearheading the agricultural transformation agenda.
GMB assures of its commitment to continue playing a key role in national food security, especially in ensuring that farmers are paid on time.
</blockquote>
While this is a positive development, some wheat farmers have failed to prepare and participate in the ongoing winter wheat cropping season due to the delayed payments.
This will likely impact negatively on the Government’s target of putting 120 000 hectares under winter wheat this season from which 600 000 tonnes are expected.
In a recent interview with <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/govt-fails-to-pay-for-wheat-deliveries/">Business Weekly</a>, the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Shadreck Makombe, said:
<div class="in_article">
<div>
<blockquote>
Some farmers who should have planted wheat this season have not been able to do so because they have not been paid for deliveries made to the Grain Marketing Board last year.
Most of the farmers who are meant to be doing the winter wheat are not participating and this is likely to affect the area that the Government is targeting under the crop and the projected yield will be negatively affected.
Wheat production is a process that we think with the planting window the targeted 120 000ha was achievable or may even be surpassed, had all the traditional wheat growers participated.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
</div>
</div>

GMB Clears Outstanding Payments To Wheat Farmers

A Hurungwe farmer, Augustine Nyamadzawo (38) from Nkani village, Chief Nematombo, Magunje was arraigned before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court for side-marketing his tobacco harvest.
Nyamadzawo was charged with contravening the Farmers Stop Order Act, that is, “dealing with the whole or part of any crop or any proceeds thereof in such a manner as to avoid or to be likely to avoid the due payment of any prescribed costs, addressee’s fees, registered stop-orders or special stop-orders relating to such crop.”
Allegations were that in July 2023, Nyamadzawo entered into a contractual agreement with Boost Hail and Cotton Private Limited, under the Farming Input Credit Scheme where he undertook to grow tobacco and received the necessary inputs from the complainant
He also agreed to work under the supervision of an agronomist appointed by the complainant.
Upon harvest, Nyamadzawo was contractually bound to sell the entire tobacco crop cultivated using the inputs provided by the complainant, to the complainant, according to the agreed terms.
However, he failed to fulfil his obligation and instead delivered the crop elsewhere. The complainant suffered a prejudice of USD829 and nothing was recovered.
Nyamadzawo was convicted and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment by the Karoi Magistrates’ Court. Four (4) months were suspended on condition of restitution of US$829 by 01 July 2024. In addition, 2 months was suspended on condition he pays a fine of US$150.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hurungwe Tobacco Farmer In Court For Side Marketing

The Dairy Processors Association of Zimbabwe (DPAZ) has expressed hope that the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) project will help lower milk production costs, enabling them to be competitive in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
RAFFS project is an ambitious three-year intervention to address the adverse effects of recent global crises on Africa’s feed and fodder systems. The project runs from December 2022 to December 2025.
The RAFF project was launched in Zimbabwe last year, spearheaded by the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The project targets six core countries including Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia and Zimbabwe.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/agriculture/article/200027254/dairy-processors-hail-raffs-project">NewsDay</a>, DPAZ secretary-general Tendayi Marecha Zimbabwe currently produces the most expensive milk in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. He said:
<blockquote>
As Zimbabwe, we are not as competitive in the region in terms of raw milk supply, raw milk prices, and farm gate prices. In SADC, we produce the most expensive milk.
Our milk is around US$0,58 and US$0,60 per litre. When you go to Zambia, (it is) US$0,37. When you go to Malawi, maybe US$0,29.
When you go to South Africa, US$0,42. So, in the face of the upcoming African Continental Free Trade Area, we really are going to be sweating because we are going to face an influx of cheaper products.
So, this programme of feed and fodder mainstreaming is going to help us reduce our cost of production and then we become more competitive within the region.
</blockquote>
Feed constitutes 70% to 80% of the total cost of milk and animal production. Said Marecha:
<blockquote>
The major reason is that feed is mainly the feed from the bag. Not many resources are used for fodder and grazing. So, feeding from the bag for ruminants will not be profitable at all. So this is the major cost driver.
This programme that AU-IBAR is promoting is going to conscientise our policymakers on where we need to focus.
I think it could not have come at a time like this when we are only maybe four years before milk is coming in zero-rated through the borders.
So, we still have four years to correct our errors and we hope by the end of four years, we will have done 
it.
So we appreciate this concept of coming up with a value chain for feed and fodder and maybe mainstreaming it so that we really talk much about it so that at least policymakers are going to support the cause.
</blockquote>
DPAZ members are Nestlé, Dairibord, Dendairy, Prodairy, Kefalos, CBS, Yomilk, and Sagemore.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Milk Processors hail RAFFS project

The Government has warned farmers against allowing livestock to graze next to roadsides, saying it will not hesitate to confiscate them in terms of the law to prevent road accidents, reported the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-to-confiscate-stray-livestock-along-major-roads/">Chronicle</a>.
Statutory Instrument 308 of 1974 prohibits any person from allowing animals to graze near roads.
Addressing farmers last week, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Davis Marapira, said:
<blockquote>
It is indeed important that we pen our livestock, especially at night, and learn to do this to prevent them from roaming around highways causing injury, death and property damage.
I would also like to encourage the farmers to create fence paddocks as they act as barriers in the event that livestock may want to escape at night…
However, it is disheartening as we speak today that most of the fences were vandalised by us locals, defeating the purpose for which it was fenced.
Let us respect the warning signs. It is in this regard that I want to bring the Statutory Instrument 308 of 1974, which prohibits any person from allowing animals to graze near roads.
To avoid having your cattle confiscated, pen them. Remember, to be foretold is to be forearmed.
</blockquote>
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), a parastatal under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, is fencing off the country’s highways as part of measures to reduce road traffic accidents.
TSCZ managing director, Munesu Munodawafa, said an average of five people die on local roads while about 38 people are injured daily.
He pleaded with members of the public to herd their cattle during the day and lock them at night to avoid the occurrence of accidents.
In 2019, the TSCZ, with the help of the Government, installed a highway fence from Gweru to Plumtree. The fence was however vandalised just a few weeks later.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Government Says To Confiscate Stray Livestock Along Major Roads

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) on Monday, 27 May, said it had paid US$10 million to wheat farmers, bringing the payments so far to US$38.3 million.
In a statement, GMB CEO Edson Badarai said the parastatal is prioritising the clearance of the outstanding balance of US$5.3 million. He said:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board advises our esteemed farmers and stakeholders of the significant progress made in clearing wheat farmers’ payments. Today, GMB paid USD 10 million to farmers, bringing the payments so far made to USD 38.3 million.
The consistent release of funds from Treasury demonstrates Government’s commitment to its promise to support farmers; towards wheat-based food security.
In the same vein, clearance of the outstanding balance of USD 5.3 million is a top priority. GMB appreciates the dedication and resilience of our farmers, and will continue playing its key role in the agriculture transformation agenda.
</blockquote>
This comes as some wheat farmers have failed to prepare and participate in the ongoing winter wheat cropping season due to the government’s failure to pay them for wheat delivered last year.
This will likely impact negatively on the Government’s target of putting 120 000 hectares under winter wheat this season from which 600 000 tonnes are expected.
In a recent interview with <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/govt-fails-to-pay-for-wheat-deliveries/">Business Weekly</a>, the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Shadreck Makombe, said:
<blockquote>
Some farmers who should have planted wheat this season have not been able to do so because they have not been paid for deliveries made to the Grain Marketing Board last year.
Most of the farmers who are meant to be doing the winter wheat are not participating and this is likely to affect the area that the Government is targeting under the crop and the projected yield will be negatively affected.
Wheat production is a process that we think with the planting window the targeted 120 000ha was achievable or may even be surpassed, had all the traditional wheat growers participated.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Pays $10M To Wheat Farmers, Total Reaches $38.3M

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said the capital has the potential to become the hub of cannabis production in Zimbabwe and Africa if the business community invests in the commercial crop.
Speaking during the tour of the Medical Cannabis Biotech farm where he commended African Medical Cannabis Biotech for investing in the city’s cannabis industry, Mafume said (via <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/mafume-pin-hopes-on-cannabis/">Business Times</a>):
<blockquote>
We should find a way to use cannabis effectively such that it benefits our city and country as a whole.
</blockquote>
The Harare mayor said investing in cannabis production and value addition will create employment opportunities for young people and also boost the economy. Mafume said:
<blockquote>
We have come with the business community of Harare. What we want is to encourage investors to invest in cannabis.
The medicinal impact of this cannabis has been long known in our society from Binga to Chipinge, and we have been using it for medicinal purposes for time immemorial.
The scientific impact of this cannabis is felt and known, and these are the types of investments we want as a city. We are hoping to work out how, as a city, we can partner in coming up with investors.
Just like we are the centre of tobacco, we can become the centre of cannabis in Zimbabwe.”
The plant we have seen is the best to extract oil, and we need to expand this investment such that it will help the economy and many of our youths.
We have seen some of the major works and investments happening in Harare, such as the opening of Meikles and food outlets. Therefore, we need to support this agro-based economy.
</blockquote>
Kim Ruan, the managing director of African Medical Cannabis Biotech said Zimbabwe’s climate and soils are conducive for growing cannabis.
In 2018, Zimbabwe became one of the first countries in Africa to legalize the production of medicinal cannabis. The government issued 57 licenses for cannabis cultivation.
The US$27 million Swiss Bioceuticals Limited Medicinal Cannabis Farm and Processing Plant recently commissioned in Mount Hampden, Mashonaland West Province aims to produce medicinal cannabis oil for both local and international markets
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Can Be The Cannabis Production Hub In Zimbabwe - Mafume

Some wheat farmers have failed to prepare and participate in the ongoing winter wheat cropping season due to the government’s failure to pay them for wheat delivered last year.
This will likely impact negatively on the Government’s target of putting 120 000 hectares under winter wheat this season from which 600 000 tonnes are expected.
In a recent interview with <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/govt-fails-to-pay-for-wheat-deliveries/">Business Weekly</a>, the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Shadreck Makombe, said:
<blockquote>
Some farmers who should have planted wheat this season have not been able to do so because they have not been paid for deliveries made to the Grain Marketing Board last year.
Most of the farmers who are meant to be doing the winter wheat are not participating and this is likely to affect the area that the Government is targeting under the crop and the projected yield will be negatively affected.
Wheat production is a process that we think with the planting window the targeted 120 000ha was achievable or may even be surpassed, had all the traditional wheat growers participated.
</blockquote>
Last week, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) said it had paid a total of US$28.7 million to wheat farmers for the grain delivered from last year’s harvest.
GMB chief executive officer Edison Badarai said that they were still mobilising funds to clear all payments to wheat farmers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB's Delayed Payments Hamper Wheat Farmers’ Winter Crop Season

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) says it paid a total of US$28.7 million to wheat farmers for the grain delivered from last year’s harvest.
In a statement, GMB chief executive officer Edison Badarai said the local currency component of the payment was completed.
Badarai, however, did not specify the amount owed by GMB to wheat farmers or provide a timeline for full payment. He said:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board wishes to advise our esteemed farmers and stakeholders that payments for wheat farmers have been significantly made.
To date, wheat payments amounting to USD28.7 million have been made, while the ZWL component was completed some time back.
Today, the Grain Marketing Board made payments amounting to USD 5 million. This follows payments of USD 14.6 processed in the last 2 weeks.
GMB appreciates the patience of farmers as the last payments are being mobilised.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is targeting to put 120,000 hectares under winter wheat with the harvest expected to reach 600,000 tonnes, well above the 468,000 tonnes produced from 91,000 hectares last year.
The delay in GMB’s payment to wheat farmers has disrupted their activities, making it difficult for them to secure loans from banks during this winter wheat cropping season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Pays A Cumulative US$28.7 Million To Wheat Farmers

The 2024 cotton selling season is set to run from 01 to 30 June, with consultations on the grade-based pricing system currently underway.
Speaking during the post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere, said that cotton farmers will receive 75 per cent of their payments in US dollars and 25 per cent in ZiG. He said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet advises that the 2024 cotton marketing season will be from 1 to 30 June 2024. Farmers will receive 75% of their payments in US$ and 25% in ZiG.
All outstanding payments by the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe amounting to US$2,65 million and 2,8 million in ZiG will be cleared by 31 May 2024.
The grade-based pricing system will be announced once ongoing consultations are concluded.
</blockquote>
The cotton output is expected to be lower than during the 2022/23 season due to the devastating effects of the El Nino weather pattern.
Last week, the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO), said it has paid the US$21 million it owed cotton farmers, with U$323 642 remaining uncollected despite several notices to farmers to do so.
Cotton is one of Zimbabwe’s major agricultural exports but yields have declined over the years due to several factors.
According to the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), the country’s cotton production increased by 67% to 89,6 million kilogrammes during the 2022/23 farming season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cotton Marketing Season Set For June

The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO), says it has paid the US$21 million it owed cotton farmers, with U$323 642 remaining uncollected despite several notices to farmers to do so.
In an update, COTTCO urged farmers to visit the designated collection points to collect the payments. It said:
<blockquote>
This delay in voucher redemption is a cause for concern, particularly in this drought year whereby farmers require financial resources to ensure food security.
Farmers are encouraged to visit business units or designated collection points promptly to access their hard-earned payments.
COTTCO remains committed to ensuring transparency and efficiency in the payment process and encourages farmers to actively engage with the company to access their rightful payments without delay.
</blockquote>
In an interview with NewsDay, Cotton Producers and Marketers Association of Zimbabwe chairman Stewart Mubonderi cotton farmers are still owed US$2,8 million by COTTCO. He said:
<blockquote>
COTTCO had paid US$21 million and the outstanding is US$2,8 million which is worrisome as we are facing drought.
</blockquote>
The cotton farmers were initially owed US$23,6 million by COTTCO. The company had been struggling to settle the payments due to a lack of funding. Added Mubonderi:
<blockquote>
The company has to show seriousness as farmers are facing hardships this year, and giving those vouchers will be easier than what is happening.
On the issue of ZiG which they have not paid, that money needs to be paid to farmers. It will be unfair if that money is not paid on time to farmers.
</blockquote>
Cotton is one of Zimbabwe’s major agricultural exports but yields have declined over the years due to several factors.
According to the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), the country’s cotton production increased by 67% to 89,6 million kilogrammes during the 2022/23 farming season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

COTTCO Says It Paid Out US$21 Million To Cotton Farmers

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) says it is prioritising payments to wheat farmers, with US$23.7 million having been paid to date.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, 08 May, GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai said the parastatal paid a total of US$4.6 million last week, and an additional US$10 million this week. Said Badarai:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board wishes to advise our esteemed farmers and stakeholders that payments for wheat farmers have been significantly made.
To date, wheat payments amounting to USD23.7 million have been made. The Grain Marketing Board, last week made a payment of USD4.6 million and USD10 million this week.
The clearance of outstanding payments is a serious priority and GMB appreciates the commitment of our farmers in ensuring national food self-sufficiency.
GMB assures of its commitment to continue playing a key role in the agriculture transformation agenda.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is targeting to put 120,000 hectares under winter wheat with the harvest expected to reach 600,000 tonnes, well above the 468,000 tonnes produced from 91,000 hectares last year.
The delay in GMB’s payment to wheat farmers has disrupted their activities, making it difficult for them to secure loans from banks during this winter wheat cropping season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Announces Payment Of US$24 Million To Wheat Farmers

The Government has warned those selling genetically modified organism (GMO) maize to farmers for planting that they will be prosecuted.
Addressing journalists in Harare last week, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos, said that both the sellers and buyers of GMO maize will be prosecuted. He said (<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/selling-growing-genetically-modified-maize-seed-is-illegal-agriculture-deputy-minister/">via NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
We are allowing GMO maize to be imported into the country but what we don’t want is, for it to be distributed to our farmers.
We believe that if any maize is sold to our farmers, this is tantamount to the person who sold it to the individual to be prosecuted whether it’s the farmer buying or the seller. We will prosecute both because both will be offside.
So those that are importing, we do not allow you to sell maize to farmers for them to grow on their farms.
If you are caught selling maize and we find that maize, unfortunately, you will definitely be prosecuted.
The law has to take its toll and we cannot have that in Zimbabwe. So, l think let’s all be forewarned let’s follow what the law says and let’s not make this a difficult situation when it doesn’t need to be difficult.
</blockquote>
Haritatos said commercial importers can approach authorised entities for maize imports and the GMO maize will be milled under supervision by the National Biotech Authority of Zimbabwe (NBAZ). He said:
<blockquote>
Our reliance on imports as a country must only be within the commercial sector. So those who are looking to bring in maize are welcome to approach GMAZ and CMAZ and other millers who want to import but they must bring in the grain that they require.
The GMO maize must be delivered to a mill and it will be milled under supervision by the NBAZ, the National Biotech Authority, or it can be sold for stock feed and again put through their stock feeds plant.
</blockquote>
Haritatos the country has a “substantial amount of stock” in the strategic grain reserves, enough to feed the nation until next summer’s harvest.
However, last week, the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) said it plans to import 1.4 million metric tonnes of maize from Mexico, Argentina and Brazil among others.
Zimbabwe has a grain deficit of over 680 000 metric tonnes mainly due to the El Nino-induced drought which disrupted the 2023/24 summer cropping season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Growing Genetically Modified Maize In Zimbabwe Is Illegal - Deputy Minister

A 74-year-old Gwanda-based farmer, Emmanuel Nare, is expecting a good harvest despite a severe drought during the 2023/24 summer cropping season after he put seven hectares under sorghum.
Nare is among the pioneer farmers who have fully embraced the growing of drought-tolerant traditional small grains as part of efforts to ensure food security in the country.
As reported by the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/74-year-old-gwanda-farmer-reaps-big-sorghum-harvest/">Chronicle</a>, Nare is based at Reata Ranch in Ward 23. The farmer said he learnt that a drought was looming, he sought advice on the varieties of traditional grains to grow and settled for sorghum Sila and SV4 varieties.
Nare has started harvesting his sorghum. He said:
<blockquote>
I have seven hectares under sorghum, three hectares under the SV4 variety and four hectares under the Sila variety.
When I heard that we would experience the El Nino drought I inquired with an Agritex official on what sorghum variety I could grow.
I have always been producing traditional grains, but I then realised that I had to adjust and plant a variety that will do well under these weather conditions and I’m glad that this has paid off.
</blockquote>
Nare urged other farmers to take advice from Agritex officers as this can help them make the right choices.
He said he only had two hectares under maize, but the crop was a total write-off. Nare said he intends to deliver his sorghum to the Grain Marketing Board. He said:
<blockquote>
As farmers, we must ensure that we are highly productive on the land that we have so that we can contribute towards ensuring food and nutrition security.
If we could all take up the advice that we are being given and seek even more knowledge, we can record good yields each year. As farmers, we need to be innovative and seek new solutions.
</blockquote>
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Obert Jiri, who recently visited the ranch, said:
<blockquote>
We always emphasise that household food security is premised on climate-proofing at the household level. This area is now Region 5B, which is unsuitable for cropping, but we see here a farmer who climate-proofed knowing what to grow in this area and the choice of the variety of the crop.
The farmer is growing traditional grains, which we know will survive dry weather conditions. Even in this El Nino-induced drought, the farmer made good choices.
He respected the agro-ecological region and chose traditional grains, which we prescribe for this particular agro-ecological region.
</blockquote>
Traditional crops such as sorghum, pearl millet and rapoko are slowly becoming popular not only because of climate change but also because people are becoming aware of their high nutritional value and the technology advancement has made it easier to harvest and process small grains.
Zimbabwe is one of the countries in southern Africa hardest hit by El Nino, which has resulted in poor rainfalls and crop failure across the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

74-year-old Gwanda Farmer Reaps Big Sorghum Harvest, His Maize Crop A Total Write-off

A teacher at Mazowe Citrus Secondary School no longer depends on the meagre salary paid to civil servants by the cash-strapped Government after he ventured into farming.
The teacher, Anderson Chibatauta, is into apiculture (beekeeping), aquaculture (fish farming), and mushroom growing which has transformed his life.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/teacher-digs-gold-in-fisheries-beekeeping/">The Herald</a>, Chibatauta who studied agriculture at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), started a range of farm activities in 2017 with the help of his wife and four children. He said:
<blockquote>
On average l earn US$360 per week from mushroom farming. I’m doing this at the school but l have a passion for having a farm so l embark on a bigger production. I also sell different types of fish and l have 50 bee hives which produce around 500kg per month.
</blockquote>
Chibatauta said he grows mushrooms in buckets which last for six months and the initiative means people can eat mushrooms anytime they want. He added:
<blockquote>
I have commercial and small-scale settings. In the bucket we put substrate, this involves cotton and maize stalks.
What is important is to know about the project so as a teacher l train people online or physically so that you acquire good amounts of money.
</blockquote>
Chibatauta has now built a house and bought two cars. He urged other people to venture into farming as this could improve their living standards.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mazowe Teacher Finds Success In Beekeeping And Fish Farming

Peter Mukombe, a goat farmer, who is exhibiting his Boer goats at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), said he abandoned his nursing job in the United Kingdom to return home and venture into goat farming.
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/diasporan-abandons-uk-job-to-venture-into-goat-farming-in-zimbabwe/">Chronicle</a>, Mukombe (45), said he spent more than ten years in the United Kingdom working as a Psychiatric nurse.
He said his love for livestock drove him to abandon his job 13 years ago to venture into goat farming in Umguza District where he is now an owner of 106 Boer goats.
Mukombe said he left for the United Kingdom as a 19-year-old and stayed there for 15 years. He said:
<blockquote>
I went to the United Kingdom when I was still a teenager but I have so much love for animals that 13 years ago I decided to come back home where I ventured into goat farming, starting with the easy-to-look-after Matabele goat.
</blockquote>
Mukombe said when his herd slightly grew, he sold the goats to raise capital and ventured into Boer goat farming which he is now breeding. He said:
<blockquote>
Goats like any animal need care and they too will take care of you. I have no regrets whatsoever for coming back home and getting into this business, which has a ready market.
In fact, we are failing to meet the demands of the market and that shows you that there is a huge potential for further growth.
</blockquote>
Mukombe said his goats are sold at a minimum of US$300 each.
Goat farming has become increasingly popular for commercial purposes in Zimbabwe due to a rise in the demand for goat meat as consumers seek alternatives to chicken, beef, and pork.
Boer goats are known for their fast growth rate and high-quality meat, and they are easy to keep and have relatively low feed costs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Man Abandons UK Job To Venture Into Goat Farming

Farmers disagree with the Government on the best strategy to protect their livestock from the negative impact of the El Nino-induced drought that threatens to decimate the national herd.
In the wake of the drought, which has been declared a national disaster, some farmers have been destocking, to effectively manage herd numbers during dry years when there is less feed available.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Anxious Jongwe Masuka recently advised farmers against destocking.
However, the deputy president of the Brahman Breeders Society of Zimbabwe, Mcebisi Ndlovu, said that farmers should start selling their cattle immediately.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/govt-livestock-farmers-clash-over-drought-destocking/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Ndlovu warned that waiting could result in significant financial losses due to decreased cattle weight and escalating prices for beef and stock feed.
He also cautioned livestock farmers against placing their hope in the rains received across the country recently, saying they are similar to those typically received around November.
This type of rain can cause the grass to rot, worsening the current drought situation, according to Ndlovu.
Responding to parliamentarians recently, Minister Masuka warned farmers that destocking may negatively affect the country’s herd. He said:
<blockquote>
For instance in Matabeleland South, the cattle sold from January to February period, we observed that the quantities have gone up by 43%.
So, the majority are selling their cattle. As the relevant Ministry, we urge farmers to stop rushing to sell their livestock.
</blockquote>
Masuka said where farmers believe destocking has to be adopted, only the old range of the livestock should be sold while the young heifers and other young cows should be kept for artificial insemination.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt, Livestock Farmers Disagree On Response To Drought

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Anxious Masuka, has urged communal farmers to desist from selling their livestock at giveaway prices because of dwindling pastures caused by the El Nino-induced drought.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/communal-farmers-warned-against-selling-livestock-as-hunger-bites/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Masuka was responding to questions that had been raised by legislators during the Question and Answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
He said the government was aware that farmers were “de-stocking” after the number of cattle sold in Matabeleland South from January to February 2024 has risen by 43%. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
In different places, we have observed that farmers are busy de-stocking because they are worried about the quantities of the feed that they have, for instance in Matabeleland South, the cattle that were sold from January to February… we observed that the quantities have gone up by 43%. So, the majority are selling their cattle.
As the relevant Ministry, we urge farmers to stop rushing to sell their livestock. They should only sell those old oxen and cows.
The heifers and other young cows, we should keep them in stock so that we can use artificial insemination to ensure that we have pastures for the calves so that they cannot sell their cattle.
</blockquote>
Spencer Tshuma, the Gokwe-Kabuyuni MP (ZANU PF) had also asked what the Government was doing given that most communal farmers when faced with hunger sell their livestock for survival.
Tshuma wanted to know what help they could get considering that livestock movement is banned in some areas. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
The Government has put in place, together with the Ministry headed by Minister July Moyo, a programme to ensure that all households countrywide are provided with adequate foodstuffs until next year.
We only allow the movement of livestock once the period of the ban has expired because if we allow this, we may fail to contain the disease.
</blockquote>
Reports suggest that farmers are struggling to sell their livestock. Minister Masuka said the Government is currently trying to revive a programme under which market days will be published.
The programme was formerly run by the Cold Storage Commission (CSC) but has since collapsed. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
We are in the process of trying to revive such activities so that farmers can be able to buy and sell cattle. We have allowed the Agricultural Marketing Authority to do that process.
</blockquote>
The shortage of pastures and poor crop yields due to drought are some of the factors driving communal farmers to sell their cattle, not only to avoid losses as the animals may succumb to hunger but also to raise money for food and other necessities.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Warns Communal Farmers Against Selling Livestock As Hunger Bites

Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry is anticipated to exceed the record annual earnings of US$140 million, which were set in 1999.
This growth comes after farmers expanded their cultivated land during the 2023–2024 summer cropping season.
In the initial Crop and Livestock Assessment, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka, reported a general increase in the planted area for most horticultural crops. He said (<a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/horticulture-sector-rebounds/">via Business Times</a>):
<blockquote>
The area under blueberry increased by 1% from 643 ha in the 2022/2023 season to 650 ha in the 2023/2024 season. Pecan nut recorded a 20% increase in area planted from 762 ha in the 2022/2023 season to 913 ha in the current season.
</blockquote>
However, the tea area decreased by 14% to 4 868 ha in the 2023/2024 season from 5 662ha in the 2022/2023 season.
Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports peaked at US$140m in 1999, before plummeting from early 2000 following the land reform exercise.
The land reform resulted in the loss of significant citrus plantations. However, there is hope for revival.
Despite the challenges posed by inconsistent policies, high borrowing costs, logistics issues, and land tenure concerns, the horticultural sector is recovering.
Increased investment, particularly in products like blueberries and macadamia nuts, has helped traditional crops such as citrus, tea, and flowers drive the rebound
By 2030, Zimbabwe aims to see a resurgence of up to 10,000 hectares of citrus plantations that were previously lost.
The Zimbabwean Horticultural Development Council (HDC) now targets $1 billion in horticultural exports by 2030. Achieving this ambitious goal will require substantial investment and an enabling environment.
The European Union, a major market for Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports, is also providing technical support and funding.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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