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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>

Pindula News

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>

Zimbabwe's Horticulture Sector Rebounds

The cotton yield in Zimbabwe for the 2023/24 season is anticipated to be the worst in years, primarily due to the devastating impact of the El Niño-induced drought.
In the previous season, the country managed to produce approximately 90,000 tonnes of cotton. This production was mainly carried out by small-scale farmers who participated in the Government’s free input scheme.
While farmer organizations have not yet finalized their production estimates, they anticipate a significantly reduced harvest for the current year.
Cotton farmers in the cotton belt, specifically in Sanyati (Mashonaland West Province) and Gokwe North and South Districts (Midlands Province), have expressed their concern, expecting a record low cotton yield.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/cotton-industry-faces-worst-season-in-years/">The Herald</a>, Tavaziva Munherendi, the leader of farmers in the Gambiza-Machipisa area of Sanyati said:
<blockquote>
This drought is a devastating blow. My expected yield is barely a quarter of what I harvested last year. Some farmers may not even harvest anything at all.
</blockquote>
Elisha Dube, a farmer from the same area, depicted a sombre scene, projecting a meagre yield of only three bales this season—a staggering decline compared to the 27 he reaped last year.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union’s national cotton chairman, Ishmael Pande, also a farmer in Sanyati, pointed out that most of the region last received rains in early January. He said:
<blockquote>
We put in a lot of effort to establish the crop, hoping for a good harvest to benefit the economy and create jobs along the cotton value chain.
Unfortunately, the prolonged dry spell severely impacted the crop. This is a double blow since cotton is a crucial cash crop that thrives in regions like Sanyati.
</blockquote>
Stanford Kambanje, who farms in the Chinyenyetu area of Gokwe North, said the area last received rainfall on 19 January and it has been dry ever since.
Last year, Kambanje earned the prestigious Grower of the Year award after a successful harvest of 57 bales. This year, however, the drought has taken a heavy toll, and he will struggle to even reach four bales.
Gokwe is the country’s largest cotton-producing region, accounting for about 30 per cent of the national output.
Tendai Vherewa from Zhomba, popularly known as Chitekete said she does not expect any yield from the two hectares she planted.
Herdman Siyabuwa Kafunde Simchembo area in Zhomba declared he has never witnessed a drought this severe in his entire lifetime.
Cotton is a major export crop for Zimbabwe. A reduced yield means fewer cotton exports, leading to a decline in export revenue for the country. This can strain foreign exchange reserves and affect the balance of trade.
Moreover, small-scale cotton farmers heavily rely on cotton production for their livelihoods. A poor yield translates to lower income for these farmers. Reduced income can impact their ability to meet basic needs, invest in their farms, and support their families.
Also, companies that supply seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs to cotton farmers may experience reduced demand. This can affect their revenue and profitability.
The low yields may discourage investment in cotton farming. Investors may shift resources to other crops or sectors, affecting long-term agricultural development.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Farmers Anticipate Record-Low Cotton Yields

The Zimbabwean Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development has reported that this year’s maize harvest will be 70% smaller than the previous season due to severe drought damage.
As per the Ministry’s outlook report, Zimbabwe’s maize production is projected to reach approximately 696,116 tonnes, a significant decline from the estimated 2.3 million tonnes for 2023.
 <a href="https://newzwire.live/report-zimbabwe-expects-maize-harvest-to-fall-70-to-lowest-levels-in-nearly-a-decade/">newZWire</a> highlights that this year’s harvest would be the smallest since 2016 when Zimbabwe managed to produce only 512,000 tonnes of maize.
An earlier report by the government last week said maize hectarage fell by 12% this season as farmers planted less. Said the Lands Ministry:
<blockquote>
The Government should aim to close the gap of 318,723 tonnes while the private sector can import as much as they want.
Combining maize, traditional grains and wheat, the strategic grain reserve is 434,293 tonnes excluding the Russia donation to the President of 25,000 tonnes.
</blockquote>
In 2023, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East produced the most maize. This year, farmers in these two traditionally strong farm provinces were hit by low rainfall. The assessment says the Midlands will have the biggest harvest.
Mash West is projected to produce 290,005 tonnes, down from 523,023 last year. Mash East’s harvest is expected at 225,675 tonnes, from 415,574 tonnes last year.
Midlands will produce 381,056 tonnes, compared to 414,249 tonnes in 2023. The projection for Mashonaland Central is 207,966 tonnes from 342,249 tonnes.
Among the hardest hit provinces is Mat North, where the area planted under maize fell by 30%; the province will produce 95,726 tonnes this year after it performed better than expected last year with 82,739 tonnes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe’s Maize Harvest To Plummet 70% In Nearly A Decade

The 2024 tobacco marketing season opened in Harare on Wednesday, 13 March, with the first bale going under the hammer for US$4.92 per kilogramme up from US$4.35 registered on day one last year.
Speaking at the official opening of this year’s tobacco marketing season, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga expressed optimism that deliveries will be high despite the current drought. He said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/tobacco-silver-lining-amid-drought/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
I am happy that the estimates which I have been given, regardless of the difficult year we have all experienced, will not go down below those of 2021, the figures will be hovering above.
While we will not get the 300 million kg we wanted, I am happy that the irrigated crop has proved to be good. The 2024 season is looking good, we will recover.
Government regards the tobacco industry as a sector with great potential to grow and increase our country’s export earnings.
This realisation led to the launch of the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan.
</blockquote>
Tobacco production is this year expected to be around 265 million kilogrammes, below last year’s 296 million kg due to the El Niño-induced drought.
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chairman Patrick Devenish revealed that this year 113 101 hectares were planted compared to 117 645 hectares last year and registered growers had decreased to 115 114 from 148 300 last year. He said:
<blockquote>
The Board has also approved decentralised contract sales to be conducted at five designated centres and these are Karoi, Mvurwi, Bindura, Marondera and Rusape.
This season, RBZ (Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe) advised that the foreign currency retention for tobacco is 75 per cent in line with the retention level for other market players.
Despite our efforts to restore order and sanity in the industry, we are still grappling with the challenge of growers who continue to cut down indigenous trees for curing tobacco.
The cutting down of indigenous trees is attracting a lot of negative attention from the global market, with some threatening to stop partnering with us.
To alleviate this challenge, the board has partnered with Hwange Colliery and Kutsaga to provide tobacco farmers with discounted coal for curing.
</blockquote>
This year two auction floors; Tobacco Sales Floor and Premier Tobacco Auction Floors, have been licenced by TIMB.
The floors handle deliveries of tobacco not grown under contract and help create the pricing system that then applies to the contracted crops, with adjustments up and down for quality.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tobacco Marketing Season Kicks Off At US$4.92 Per Kg

The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka, said that the private sector must continue to import maize for human consumption, including importing genetically modified maize but under strict supervision.
Speaking during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Masuka said the food security outlook is made of four components which are: what is in stock, what is likely to be produced in the current season, what is likely to be produced in winter and what is likely to be imported.
He said Zimbabwe allows GMOs to be imported because the country has a very strict framework. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
This is what we deliberated; we said the private sector must continue to import maize for human consumption, we said if they wish to import genetically modified maize they can do so but that must be under strict supervision.
Zimbabwe was one of the first countries in the SADC region to put in place a GMO (genetically modified organism) policy in 1998 and formed the National Biotechnology Authority, and Zimbabwe allows GMOs to be imported because we have a very strict framework. Perhaps because of the strictness, very few private companies have come on board to do some experiments on GMOs.
In the past, we have applied this model very successfully. It is genetically modified maize not GMO maize.
We said that our food security ought also to be premised on consideration of wheat as a cereal crop, either for direct consumption by people as bread or as a mealie meal or for swap arrangement.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Government has liberalised the importation of grain at the household level with effect from July.
Duty will be waived on the importation of rice, maize, potato seed, cooking oil and genetically modified maize for stock feed, whose milling and distribution will be strictly supervised.
Cabinet also approved the removal of Value Added Tax on rice and potato seed since the two foods are now considered staples.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Agriculture Minister Speaks On Genetically Modified Maize Imports

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) says tobacco output is predicted to fall to 265 million kilogrammes this season, from 294 million kilogrammes recorded the previous season.
Speaking to the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200024083/drought-hits-tobacco-output">Zimbabwe Independent</a>, TIMB public affairs officer Chelesani Tsarwe, also said the number of tobacco growers had dropped as a result of the prevailing drought. She said:
<blockquote>
From the crop assessment exercise undertaken, which is a national tobacco forecasting exercise which helps us determine the national yield and production, the board anticipates a yield of 265 million kilogrammes.
(This) is a consequence of the El Niño conditions witnessed in southern Africa starting late last year.
</blockquote>
Tsarwe said farmers will receive 75% of their payments in US dollars this season, with the remainder payable in Zimbabwe dollars. She said:
<blockquote>
When it comes to payment of growers, the board is guided by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).
For this season, RBZ advised that the foreign currency retention for tobacco growers for the 2023/24 tobacco marketing season was standardised at 75% in line with the retention level for other market players.
Given that the 25% to be paid to tobacco growers in local currency is applied to the net sales proceeds after the settlement of all the loans, levies and other marketing costs, the net effect of this arrangement is that the tobacco grower shall effectively have a foreign currency retention which is higher than 75%.
</blockquote>
Tobacco is one of Zimbabwe’s biggest foreign currency earners. This year’s marketing season will commence on Wednesday next week.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Drought: Tobacco Output Anticipated To Fall

The Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association (ZiToGA) has said the contract system has failed to empower growers to be independent and instead, it has turned them into indirect workers for the contracting companies.
Tobacco contract farming involves an agreement where tobacco buyers provide the necessary inputs (such as fertilisers, and chemicals) for tobacco production.
In return, these buyers assure to purchase all the tobacco produced under the contract, either at the same prices or higher than those prevalent on the auction floors.
ZiToGA said some of the contracted farmers are always in debt, owing contracting companies huge sums of money which they cannot repay. It said:
<blockquote>
The key producers (tobacco growers) have nothing to celebrate given that nothing has significantly changed compared with the previous seasons.
The situation for this season was worsened by poor and unreliable rainfall patterns, which affected crop production, resulting in poor-quality tobacco and a huge decline in harvest.
Considering that most farmers are under the contract system, the decline in the harvest will leave farmers with no bread on their tables but drowning in credit.
The tobacco farming contract system in Zimbabwe has failed to empower tobacco growers to be independent, it has created farmers who rely on credit not viewing farming as a business and the system has turned growers into disguised workers for the contracting companies…
Growers are always in credit owing contracting companies huge sums of money which they cannot repay as companies charge exorbitant interest rates on their inputs straining the farmer who spends more than six months working on the crop.
</blockquote>
ZiToGA also said the contracting companies were manipulating prices and buying tobacco at very low prices despite that the crop will be of high quality. It said:
<blockquote>
These companies are not worried about the welfare and financial empowerment of the key producers but mainly focus on making huge profits and self-enrichment.
The system also compromises the independence of the growers as it strips off their powers to choose a market of their choice.
</blockquote>
The Association urged the Government to review the forex retention ratio which was pegged at 75:25 taking into consideration the economic situation in the country.
It also recommended the establishment of State-controlled interest-free loan input schemes specifically for tobacco growers.
ZiToGA called on the Ministry of Agriculture and the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board to assist growers with skills development and training on tobacco production, financial management and the tobacco value-addition chain.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Contract System Enslaves Farmers, Says Tobacco Growers Association

Prominent Gweru businessman, Patrick Cheza, who was the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate for Chirumhanzi South in the 2023 general elections is being evicted from his 250-hectare farm by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development.
According to The Mirror, Cheza was allocated the farm which is located near Mvuma under the land redistribution programme. He is now losing investments worth US$200 000.
Cheza, who was detained for several weeks during last year’s elections, is reported to be the only farmer out of 61 under the same scheme who is being evicted.
He was accused of assaulting ZANU PF Barbra Rwodzi following an argument over an accident which had occurred along Chaka‐Charandura Road in Chirumhanzu.
His farm is one of the most developed under the scheme with greenhouses, boreholes, solar power systems, 105 herd of cattle, 56 high-breed goats, and sheep and 50 full-time workers.
The Mirror further reported that Cheza’s farm is already being subdivided into smaller plots and the beneficiaries are members of the Joint Operations Command (JOC).
Cheza’s appeal was thrown out by High Court Judge, Justice Mawadze who said the courts have no power over the matter and told him to plead with the Minister.
Justice Mawadze however, conceded in his opening remarks that land issues in Zimbabwe are very emotive and vexing.
The Minister of Lands’s Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri was reported as saying Cheza will not be compensated for developments he made on the farm.
The seizure of Cheza’s farm shows the total lack of security of tenure in the country’s laws and that it is risky for businesspeople to associate with opposition parties as they can easily lose their hard-earned investments to “the system” with nowhere to seek justice.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former CCC Parliamentary Candidate, Patrick Cheza, Evicted From 250-hectare Farm

The bulk of the 2023/2024 maize crop is a complete write-off following below-average rainfall for much of the rainy season, agriculture sector officials have revealed.
Prince Kuipa, field operations director at the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) told the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200023786/maize-crop-a-total-write-off">Zimbabwe Independent</a> that the bulk of the crop across the country is moisture-stressed. Said Kuipa:
<blockquote>
Information coming from our farmers shows that most of the grain has been affected and farmers are considering the maize crop as a write-off.
It is a disaster year. The crop is moisture-stressed. Maybe the government is going to announce a disaster situation so they can mobilise grain and arrange donor funding.
Without anything coming from farms, the government should kick in by importing grain. The private sector can also play its role to make sure that no one dies of hunger.
</blockquote>
The chief executive officer at the State-run Agriculture Rural Development Authority (ARDA) said its crops have also been affected by the drought. He said:
<blockquote>
The 2023/2024 agricultural season has been characterised by below-average rainfall brought about by El Nino.
This has not spared cropping programmes managed by ARDA.
However, we have put in place mitigatory measures to counter the effects and salvage our crop.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that large swathes of maize crops had wilted and most of the affected crop would not recover even if rains returned as it had reached the permanent wilting point.
In Mashonaland West Province, some farmers had by last week freed livestock to feed on the wilting maize crop, according to some reports.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Maize Crop A Total Write-off - Farmers

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) said that the 2023/24 rain season is not yet over with scattered showers expected this month.
MSD head meteorologist, James Ngoma, told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200023740/rains-coming-but">NewsDay</a> that the expected rains will be unevenly distributed. He said:
<blockquote>
Currently, we are seeing light and isolated showers in most parts of the country.
The rainy season is not yet over as we will get a few more rains in March. The rains have been going round the borders of the country.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) secretary-general, Paul Zakariya, told NewsDay that the anticipated rains will do little to save wilting crops. He said:
<blockquote>
We will not get as much in terms of yields as expected because the situation has already been compromised.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Shadreck Makombe, said most crops have reached the permanent wilting stage. He said:
<blockquote>
Most crops are already wilted and dry. We are not expecting crop resuscitation if the rains come.
We are in a drought situation and most farmers made a loss and this has negatively impacted the yields.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Ngoma said the uneven distribution of rainfall has negatively affected farmers who depend on rainfall while those with irrigation systems expect a bumper harvest.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

2023/24 Rainy Season Not Over Yet - Met Department

A prominent farmer in Esigodini has advised fellow farmers to harvest wilting crops from their fields and produce fodder to feed livestock, especially during the winter months when there is little herbage.
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/turn-wilting-crops-into-fodder-top-livestock-farmer/">Chronicle</a>, Obert Chinhamo of Biano Simmentals in Esigodini said farmers should make a quick decision and prevent their crops from going to waste. He said:
<blockquote>
A lot of crops are wilting around the country and we have a lot of livestock that may die because of the drought that we are facing.
So, as farmers, we may have to make a quick decision, instead of looking at the crop wilting and going to waste, we will rather turn it into silage so that later on during the year, farmers can open their silage and feed their livestock.
The weather forecast is already telling us that we are expecting rains around March 2, so farmers can evaluate their crops and make a decision to make silage and salvage something from there.
Farmers must know that whether it’s drought or not, we still need to do a lot of work to keep our animals in good condition throughout winter and we always do field days to try to encourage farmers to do that.
</blockquote>
In most parts of the country, crops are wilting due to the prevailing dry spell blamed on El Nino, and some crops have been declared a write-off.
El Niño occurs on average every two to seven years and typically lasts nine to 12 months and is a naturally occurring climate pattern associated with the warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Top Livestock Farmer Urges Farmers To Turn Wilting Crops Into Silage

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has said the 2024 tobacco marketing season opens on 13 March for the traditional auction floors, while contract floors will open the following day.
In a recent statement announcing the opening of the tobacco marketing season, the TIMB encouraged tobacco stakeholders to fully utilise the TIMB booking system. It said:
<blockquote>
All stakeholders are advised that the 2024 auction tobacco marketing season opens on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Contract tobacco sales will begin on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
All tobacco stakeholders are encouraged to fully utilise the TIMB booking system. Book your tobacco today and sell it tomorrow.
</blockquote>
However, depressed volumes of tobacco are anticipated this season following a significant reduction in both the number of growers and planted area due to the El Nino-induced drought.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/tobacco-marketing-season-opens-mid-march/">The Manica Post</a>, Shupikai Mvurumutiya of Chikundu, Odzi, said the quality of tobacco for most small-holder farmers is poor. He said:
<blockquote>
It is not looking good and a bit far below the standards witnessed last season. We are not seeing the kind of tobacco leaf we are used to in Odzi.
We can only talk of a good leaf to those farmers who either planted early, have irrigation facilities or planted their crop near vleis.
</blockquote>
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board said 115 114 growers were registered this season across the country, compared to 148 300 growers last year.
This season farmers across the country planted 113 101 hectares, compared to 117 645ha last season, giving a negative variance of four percent.
TIMB also announced that growers will be paid 75 per cent of their earnings in foreign currency while the remainder will be in Zim dollars.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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