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National Kraal director and livestock specialist, Mr Christopher Magona has said empowering farmers with adequate knowledge to treat farming as a business and produce quality animals is key to resuscitating Zimbabwe&#8217;s livestock sector.
He made the remarks at a Pen Fattening and Animal Health training in Mbokodo Feedlot.
The training focuses on enhancing the profitability of cattle pen fattening, a lucrative business that involves feeding beef cattle with a protein-balanced, high-energy diet to increase live weights and improve the degree of finish.
Magona said that most farmers were underutilizing their land and could run a 1,000-livestock business on three hectares if trained properly. He said with the proper knowledge, Zimbabwe&#8217;s livestock sector, particularly the beef industry, could become a major player in the global market and contribute to the country&#8217;s economic growth and development. He said:
<blockquote>
Cattle pen fattening involves the feeding of beef cattle with a protein-balanced, high-energy diet for a period of 70 to 120 days under confinement to increase live weights and improve degree of finish and thus obtain better grades at the abattoir. It also enables the animals to express fully their genetic potential for growth. Hence, as National Kraal we are moving around the country training farmers to take livestock farming as a business.
We are trying to bridge knowledge gaps around certain aspects that are important for profitability and to cut knowledge barriers on how much land and resources farmers need for their livestock farming business to thrive.
</blockquote>
Mr Obert Chinhamo of Biano Simmentals Farm in Esigodini described the Pen Fattening and Animal Health training as an eye-opener for farmers. He emphasized that professional assistance is critical in livestock farming as a business to avoid unnecessary losses and maximize profits. He also mentioned feedlot management as a more economical way to raise a large number of cattle for beef production, as animals housed on feedlots are fed and raised on less land, which cuts costs.
Ms Jabulile Sibanda, an upcoming farmer, stated that the training helped her map out her livestock farming business. She learned that cattle fattening is profitable when done correctly, and profitability depends on factors such as buying price, feed cost, price margin, and feed conversion efficiency ratio.
Zimbabwe was once a significant meat exporter to Europe, especially the UK. However, the country&#8217;s meat industry declined due to several factors, including economic challenges, political instability, and land reforms that resulted in inexperienced farmers lacking the necessary resources and knowledge to run commercial farms effectively. This led to a decrease in livestock numbers, a drop in meat production, and a loss of export markets. The industry&#8217;s lack of investment further exacerbated the decline, and Zimbabwe has since struggled to regain its position as a major meat exporter.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Pindula News

Specialist Stresses Knowledge Empowerment To Revive Zimbabwe's Livestock Sector

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations says it is ready to assist farmers in Matabeleland South Province in managing rangeland degradation.
Rangeland degradation is a decrease in plant species diversity, plant height, vegetation cover and plant productivity.
FAO Zimbabwe International resilience specialist Alexander Carr said rangeland productivity has declined, leading to reduced carrying capacity for livestock.
He urged the Government to ensure that policies and regulations are in place to support rangeland conservation while FAO equips farmers with the skills and knowledge to achieve this.
Carr was speaking during a meeting with some of the farmers in Bulawayo on Friday last week. He said:
<blockquote>
Rangelands play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of pastoral communities, providing grazing land for livestock and a source of income from meat and dairy production hence they should be of utmost priority be preserved.
Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns have altered the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species, leading to changes in ecosystem dynamics.
As a result, rangeland productivity has declined, leading to reduced carrying capacity for livestock and lower yields of meat and dairy products.
This may include practices such as rotational grazing, improved water management as well as the use of alternative sources of livelihoods to reduce pressure on rangeland resources.
</blockquote>
Speaking at the same event, the permanent secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Latiso Dhlamini-Maseko said:
<blockquote>
By restoring degraded rangelands, we can increase their productivity and resilience, improve the livelihoods of pastoral communities, safeguard biodiversity and reduce the risk of land degradation and desertification.
</blockquote>
Matabeleland South Province receives low seasonal rainfall which makes the rangeland highly susceptible to degradation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

United Nations' FAO Pledges To Assist Farmers In Matabeleland South

Two tobacco farmers in Mashonaland Central Province were targetted by armed robbers recently and lost thousands of cash in United States dollars.
Mash Central provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Major Samuel Chikasha told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/tobacco-farmers-targeted-by-armed-robbers/">The Herald</a> that a family in the tobacco farming business from Batsirai village under Chief Nyamaropa was robbed recently.
Sgt Major Chikasha said Green Bhaira (36), Bridget Nyakupfuka (34) and their 15-year-old daughter were sleeping when Timothy Chikomba (34) of the same village and nine others approached their homestead at around 9 PM.
Chikomba allegedly called for Bhaira saying he was wanted for bailing tobacco belonging to Julias Chikuni.
Bhaira refused to open the door and the robbers forcibly broke down the door. 
Police said Bhaira tried to fight back but was assaulted with an iron bar all over his body.
He escaped and went to his neighbour Lamech Chemusora (40) seeking assistance.
The robbers also assaulted Nyakupfuka with an unknown object on the forehead demanding cash. She gave them US$3 200 and the accused left.
When Bhaira returned with Chemusora the robbers were gone. The matter was reported at Madziwa police base and Chikomba was arrested.
Bhaira and his wife sustained swollen foreheads and were taken to Shamva Hospital where they were treated and discharged.
In another incident that occurred in Mt Darwin, Sgt Major Chikasha said armed robbers pounced on Patricia Kadirire (43) of Kushinga village C under Chief Kandeya.
Kadirire was sleeping with her two children aged 10 and 3 when she was woken up by loud banging at the door at around 1 AM.
Police said the accused, Luckmore Kimbili Murombedzi (32), of Hukama village under Chief Chihota in Chikomba and two others forcibly entered the house.
Kadirire and the children were sprayed with an unknown substance causing them temporary blindness.
The robbers demanded US$4 000 which they said Kadirire received from tobacco sales but she offered them US$735.
While the robbers were busy loading groceries from Kadirire’s tuckshop, the shopkeeper Petros Moffat untied himself and ran to inform Paul Kamukombe who mobilised villagers.
The robbers who were on foot went to the Harare-Mukumbura highway with the loot and were looking for transport.
The villagers managed to apprehend Murombedzi but the other suspects disappeared into the darkness.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Armed Robbers Target Tobacco Farmers

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that the country has saved up to US$300 million in import costs following a record wheat harvest in 2022 of over 375 000 tonnes.
Mnangagwa made the remarks during a roundtable meeting on Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt resolution in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt, on the sidelines of the African Development Bank annual meetings. He said:
<blockquote>
I am pleased to highlight that Zimbabwe is now food secure.
We are self-sufficient in wheat production, since 2022, saving up to US$300 million dollars annually, in import costs.
A maize bumper harvest, attributed to favourable rainfall, increased irrigation capacity and agronomy support all supported by Government programmes, is now the norm.
Pfumvudza/Intwasa Climate Proofed agriculture, a model focusing on the efficient use of inputs, labour and water resources among small-scale and communal farmers has had tremendous results on household food security, nutrition and incomes.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe requires about 360 000 tonnes of wheat annually to ensure an adequate supply of flour for bread and confectionery.
This year, the Government is targetting 85 000 hectares, compared to 80 388 hectares planted in 2022.
In Zimbabwe, wheat is grown entirely under irrigation in the winter and is therefore not affected by rainfall patterns so long as the rainfall is adequate to fill up the dams which supply the irrigation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Saved US$300 Million After Record Wheat Harvest - Mnangagwa

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka has called for stiffer penalties for individuals or companies engaged in the side marketing of cotton.
Speaking during the launch of the 2023 cotton marketing season in Mahuwe on Monday, Masuka said side marketing of cotton should be made a criminal offence so that those found guilty do not escape with a fine but are jailed.
Masuka said jailing side marketers will protect one of the country’s foreign currency earners and source of livelihood for many Zimbabweans. He said:
<blockquote>
Last year, seven side marketing breaches were recorded with the culprits being fined over US$10 000.
In terms of deterrent measures, we must go beyond this and make side marketing a criminal offense.
Jail is the only effective way to curb this practice.
My ministry, through the Agricultural Marketing Authority, continues to implement measures to curb side marketing.
These include the Memorandum of Agreement by all contractors for the establishment of cotton buying points, maintenance of good business practices and registers of each contractor at each buying point.
</blockquote>
Side-marketing is when a contracted cotton grower sells his or her crop to a third party in breach of a legally binding contractual agreement that states that contracted cotton shall only be sold to or bought by the licensed contractor who provided inputs to such a grower.
In 2013, side marketing almost collapsed the cotton industry after private merchants stopped financing farmers due to poor debt recovery.
The following year (2014), output plunged to 28 000 tonnes, the lowest in nearly two decades.
The Government intervened by providing farmers with free inputs under the Presidential Free Inputs programme.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/jail-terms-proposed-to-end-cotton-side-marketing/">The Herald</a> reported that almost 350 000 farmers were contracted to grow cotton under the Presidential Inputs Scheme last year.
250 000 hectares were put under cotton and 152 000 tonnes are expected this season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Side Marketing Of Cotton Should Attract Jail Terms - Minister Masuka

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Grain_Marketing_Board/">Grain Marketing Board</a> (GMB) has urgently requested a float of $1 billion and US$1.5 million from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to ensure prompt payment to farmers upon delivery of their grain.
Late payments by the GMB have affected farmers&#8217; earnings and financing of future operations.
The GMB&#8217;s finance director, Mr Clemence Guta, made this appeal to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for a continuous flow of funds to facilitate timely payments. He said:
<blockquote>
 We have also requested for a float of $1 billion and US$1,5 million so that we timely pay farmers.
Total receipts to date are 3 331 MT valued at $513,38 million and US$714 000. Farmers have been the given Zimbabwe dollar component in full and the forex component is still outstanding.
</blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board has received payment for all the grain delivered by farmers, totaling 373,996 tonnes valued at $58.97 billion and US$53.38 million since the opening of the 2022-2023 marketing season.
Mr Guta stated that maize was the top grain delivered with 2,846 tonnes, followed by soya beans, white sorghum, red sorghum, sunflower, and wheat. He added that the outstanding foreign component will be received this week.
He also warned the public against conmen who pose as its employees and offer foreign currency in exchange for local currency deposits. Guta said the GMB does not have any agents for procurement and payment. He encouraged people to report such incidents to any GMB depot or police station.
The government recently announced a grain producer price of US$335 per tonne for maize and traditional grains, with US$200 in foreign currency and US$135 in local currency.
Similarly, the floor producer price for soybean is US$580 per tonne, with US$348 in foreign currency and US$232 in local currency at the interbank rate. Oil expressers will pay GMB US$638 a tonne, paid as US$348 in foreign currency plus US$290 in Zimbabwe dollars.
The floor producer price for sunflower is US$696 per tonne, while the pre-planting floor producer price for wheat was set at US$520 per tonne.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

GMB Requests ZW$1bn And US$1.5m To Pay Farmers Promptly

John Bhasera, the Agriculture Permanent Secretary, has stated that Zimbabwe has become the breadbasket of the Southern African region due to government measures.
Bhasera made the remarks during a field day in Kwekwe and emphasised the need to consolidate and sustain this status. He also praised the land reform program in the 2000s, which he said, despite its violent nature, set a good precedent in Africa. NewZimbabwe quotes him as saying:
<blockquote>
Our issue is on how we can retain the bread basket status. We are already there being the bread basket of southern Africa, how do we sustain and consolidate on that status. We are only one of the two African countries which are flour and wheat self-sufficient. These developments are happening after the advent of the Second Republic.
375 000 tonnes of wheat achieved in 2022, this is against an annual requirement of 360 000 tonnes metric tonnes of wheat. It means for the first time in many years, for the first time since wheat was produced in Zimbabwe around the 1960s we are flour and wheat self-sufficient.
</blockquote>
According to John Bhasera, Zimbabwe has achieved President Emmerson Mnangagwa&#8217;s target of becoming a US$8 billion agricultural economy by 2025 within one agricultural season.
Bhasera stated that the country reached US$8.1 billion in the 2021/2022 period, which was intended to be achieved in five years since 2020.
He said Zimbabwe produced 2.7 million metric tonnes of maize, the second-highest output after the 1980s, and cotton export earnings increased from US$10-15 million to US$80-90 million.
He said the livestock sector is also growing at a rate of 1-3% per year, with the national herd reaching 5.6 million from 5.2 million in 2019/2020. The target for this year is 6 million, which Bhasera said will be achieved.
Zimbabwe used to be known as the breadbasket of Africa in the 1980s, but the agricultural sector has faced numerous challenges in recent years, resulting in food shortages and declining exports. However, recent government measures have led to a resurgence in the sector, and there are hopes of regaining the previous status.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Now Southern African Breadbasket - Bhasera

Zimplow Holdings, a company that makes and distributes agricultural equipment, is delisting from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) after losing US$60 million in value. This loss was caused by the depreciation of the Zimbabwe dollar compared to the US dollar, which resulted in Zimplow&#8217;s market capitalisation dropping by 88.67% from its 2021 valuation. Since its reintroduction in 2019, the Zimbabwean dollar has been experiencing a significant depreciation.
Zimplow announced its delisting from the ZSE, and other companies have also delisted and moved to the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), such as Bindura Nickel Corporation, National Foods Limited, Simbisa Brands, and others. Zimplow said:
<blockquote>
The directors of Zimplow Holdings Limited (the company) wish to advise all shareholders and the investing public that the board has approved the delisting of the company from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, immediately followed by its listing on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. Further details of the transaction will be provided to shareholders once all regulatory processes have been finalised.
</blockquote>
Zimplow has joined other companies in seeking a listing on the VFEX to protect the value of their shares that were depreciating on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) due to the falling Zimbabwean dollar.
Zimplow&#8217;s loss in value caused a transporter, Unifreight Africa Limited, to report losses in its Zimplow shares. Zimplow&#8217;s last trading update indicated that value preservation was a top priority, and the company planned to focus on exporting through its subsidiaries Barzem, CT Bolts, and Powermac. The challenging trading environment continued to put pressure on customers, who were prioritizing value preservation over expansion.
Zimplow also stated that the upcoming rainy season would increase demand for their products and services in the agriculture cluster. The company also expects growth in their logistics, automotive, mining, and infrastructure clusters due to national strategic development and output growth in the mining sector. Value preservation, volume growth, and cost efficiency remain top priorities for the company.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimplow Delisting From ZSE After Losing US$60 Million In Value

The Matabeleland South Veterinary Department has been instructed to kill six cattle that were illegally transported from Huntley, an area in Insiza infected with January disease, to Avoca in the same district.
Authorities are concerned that the disease may spread to livestock in the area. A few months ago, a villager in Insiza lost all of her 50 cattle to Theileriosis, also known as January disease.
On May 2, 2023, the Department of Veterinary Services received information that six cattle owned by Tinashe Sibanda were moved from a Theileria-infected area in the Insiza district to Avoca on April 10. Jairus Machakwa, a director in the Veterinary Services Department, said:
<blockquote>
Sibanda contravened the provisions of Animal Health (Movement of Cattle and Pigs) Regulation, 1984. Movement of cattle without veterinary movement permits is causing animal disease outbreaks in the country and delaying resolving of the same.
Now, therefore, under and by virtue of powers vested in the Director of Veterinary Services by section 7, subsection (3) paragraph (a) of the Animal Health Act Chapter 19:01 and as read with section 7, subsection (2) paragraph (a) and (b) of the said Act, the director orders the destruction of the six cattle and safe disposal of the carcasses.
The provincial veterinary officer for Matabeleland South or his representative is hereby ordered to destroy the six cattle and ensure safe disposal of carcasses. The destruction and disposal must be witnessed by police details.
</blockquote>
Parts of Insiza have been severely affected by the January disease, with over 200 cattle in and around PBS Farm dying from the disease since January. The Midlands province has also reported 130 cattle deaths from the disease this year alone. Last year in Matabeleland South, around 700 cattle died from Theileriosis, a tick-borne disease, and over 200 from the blackleg.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Veterinary Ordered To Kill Illegally Transported Cattle To Control January Disease

Capacity utilisation in Zimbabwe’s fertilisers industry has fallen drastically, with local companies only able to satisfy about 15% of the national demand.
This came out in a new report by University of Zimbabwe economics lecturer, Albert Makochekanwa which was commissioned by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
According to the report, the low capacity is attributable to power cuts, limited working capital, limited foreign currency to import critical raw materials and high interest rates which discourage the companies from borrowing, among other problems.
The other major problems facing the fertiliser industry include the non-availability of key raw materials in bulk quantities in the local market, smaller profit margins and the non-availability of fertiliser endowments. Part of the report reads:
<blockquote>
On average, actual annual production is about 90,000mt which only satisfies 15% of annual national demand.
Evidence shows that idle capacity is mainly due to the non-allocation of foreign currency to import ammonia gas which is one of the major ingredients in the production of fertiliser.
The average fertiliser manufacturing or production capacity utilisation for the year 2022 in the fertiliser sector was 52%, while the figure ranged between 80% on the upper bound and 38% on the lower bound.
</blockquote>
According to the report, the fertiliser companies produced about 90 000 metric tonnes in 2022 against a national demand of about 780 000mt.
Out of the 780 000mt that are required to meet national demand, 380 000mt are top dressing, and 400 000mt are basal fertilisers (compounds and blends).
The consumption of 380 000mt of top-dressing is further divided into top-dressing direct application (that is ammonium nitrate (AN)) and input into compounds (urea).
The consumption of 400 000mt of compounds is further divided into phosphate, potassium and AN.
The low capacity utilisation has resulted in Zimbabwe becoming a perennial importer of fertiliser.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Local Fertiliser Industry Producing 15% Of National Demand

White farmers who lost their land during Zimbabwe’s chaotic land redistribution exercise have made some changes to the government’s proposal of paying the US$3.5 billion compensation through a 10-year commercial paper.
The former farmers rejected the proposal and have made some changes to suit the age profile of the supposed beneficiaries.
Speaking to <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/ex-farmers-turn-heat-on-govt/">Business Times</a> on Wednesday, Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) president Andrew Pascoe said they are currently engaging members to get their views on the Government proposal. Said Pascoe:
<blockquote>
We made some new changes to the government’s proposed deal and currently, we are carrying out surveys with our members to see if they agree to the new proposals.
</blockquote>
In 2020, the Government pledged to compensate the former farm owners in phases.
The first installment of US$1.75 billion was supposed to be paid in 2021 and the balance was to be paid in four equal installments of US$437.5 million per year.
The Government failed to fulfill the promise to the formers farmers and has shifted goalposts on several occasions.
Moreover, critics argue that the compensation does not go far enough to address the harm caused by the land reform programme.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

White Former Farmers Scrutinize Compensation Deal

The Government on Friday announced producer prices for strategic crops such as maize, traditional grains, soya bean, and sunflower.
The Grain Market Board (GMB) will only purchase strategic commodities financed under the Presidential Input Programme as well as by self-financed farmers.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka, at a media briefing in Harare.
GMB will pay a floor producer price of US$335 per metric tonne for maize and traditional grains.
For soya beans and sunflowers, GMB will pay US$580 and US$696, per tonne respectively.
The prices will be partly paid in foreign currency and the remainder in Zimbabwe dollars at the prevailing interbank rate.
The Government has also set a pre-planting producer price of US$520 per metric tonne of wheat. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
A floor producer price of US$335 per metric tonne of maize and traditional grains is paid to farmers by GMB as US$200 in foreign currency plus US$135 in local currency.
US$580 per metric tonne for soya beans paid as US$348 in foreign currency and US$232 in local at the interbank rate.
</blockquote>
The Government has also liberalised the marketing of grain with all contractors allowed to buy back contracted crops.
Self-financed farmers will also sell their produce in the market or to the Grain Marketing Board.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Announces Producer Prices For Grains, Soya Beans

The Government has made arrangements with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) and Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to ensure that winter wheat farmers have adequate electricity and water respectively.
This was said by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary John Basera on Wednesday.
Basera was speaking at the Mashonaland East wheat planting preparedness discussion day in Marondera. He said:
<blockquote>
The issue of power has been thoroughly assessed and discussed with ZESA. Ring-fencing of power for wheat farmers is guaranteed.
We are going to have sufficient power for wheat-producing farmers. We are Going4Growth and we must have wheat and flour self-sufficiency at all costs.
Uninterrupted electricity and water supply will change the dynamics of wheat farming in the country.
</blockquote>
Basera, however, urged farmers to pay their outstanding debts to ZESA so that the power utility will be able to guarantee electricity supply.
The recommended sowing period for wheat is early April to the end of May and planting has commenced in areas such as Mashonaland West.
The <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/power-water-boost-for-winter-wheat">Sunday Mail</a> reported that an estimated 85 000 hectares will be put under winter wheat this year for a targetted output of 408 000 tonnes.
If that is achieved, it will surpass last year’s record of 380 000 tonnes.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA To Prioritise Winter Wheat Farmers

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has blocked at least 448 farmers from selling tobacco at auction floors on allegations of side marketing their crop, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/timb-blocks-448-tobacco-growers-for-side-marketing/">ZimLive</a>.
Side marketing is when growers sell their produce to third parties in breach of contractual agreements that bind producers to sell their yield to the contractor who would have provided inputs to the grower.
Side marketing also occurs when an individual sells tobacco on behalf of another.
There are varied reasons why side marketing of crops is now rife in the market but it mainly stems from lower producer prices set by the government and the contractors.
The government outlawed side marketing through Statutory Instrument 77 of 2022 in a bid to protect contracting companies from dealers.
In a statement, TIMB said the growers were blocked from selling their produce after noting unusual activity on the tobacco selling system. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
We have blocked 448 grower numbers on strong suspicion of tobacco-side marketing.
We interrogated the tobacco selling system, according to sales points, looking for irregular activity that strongly indicates the illegal practice and these growers are the alleged offenders.
The blocked grower numbers had sold tobacco five times or more in only 13 days of the 2023 tobacco marketing season.
It is illogical and cost-ineffective to bring 20 bales to market on a Monday; then bring 10 on Wednesday and 15 on Friday the same week only to bring similar amounts of tobacco in the following week.
… We have blocked these growers from making more sales to make sure we only have legitimate tobacco farmers selling.
</blockquote>
The TIMB advised the individuals with blocked grower numbers to approach their offices with their sale sheets to establish whether they are bona fide tobacco growers selling their own produce or not. It added:
<blockquote>
We will also send our technical team for farm visits to verify by physically inspecting the respective farms and if they are legitimate growers, we will unblock their grower numbers.
</blockquote>
At least 49.4 million kilogrammes of tobacco valued at US$148.5 million have so far been sold through the auction and contract systems at an average price of US$3 per kg.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

448 Farmers Blocked From Selling Their Tobacco

Local fish producers have been challenged to increase production to meet local demand which is around 60 000 tonnes per year.
Food Federation and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe (FFAWUZ) secretary general Runesu Dzimiri recently said Zimbabwe’s fish output averages 18 400 tonnes, thereby creating a total deficit of 41 600 tonnes per annum.
Dzimiri was addressing delegates at the just-ended Seafood Workers Division Conference held in Iceland. He said, as quoted by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/https-www-newzimbabwe-com-zimbabwe-facing-a-416-k-tonnes-fish-supply-deficit/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>:
<blockquote>
According to official statistics, Zimbabwe’s fish output averages 18 400 tonnes every year against a total annual demand of 60 000 tonnes thereby creating a total deficit of 41 600 tonnes which is partly met through imports.
In 2021 alone the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade reported that Zimbabwe imported meat, fish and seafood preparations valued at US$2.62 million.
… As a union, we call for investments into the sector because this has the potential to create more jobs in the sector which is much healthier for our membership.
There is also a need for partnerships with the Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector which are beginning to crop up in the fish industry.
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Dzaimiri also expressed concern over the current poor remuneration, sexual harassment and inadequate protective clothing for the workers operating in the local fish industry.
Zimbabwe’s biggest fish processing company is Lake Harvest established in 1997 to produce high-quality tilapia for the European and Southern African markets.
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