TIMB to manage fund: Govt

TIMB to manage fund: Govt November 3, 2017 Business The Zimbabwe government has defended its decision to transfer management of a tree planting program, funded from a 0,75 percent levy on tobacco sales, from the Forestry Commission to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB). Initially the government had mandated the Forestry Commission with management of the …

Agribank invests $2,1m in irrigation schemes

Agribank invests $2,1m in irrigation schemes November 3, 2017 Business Minister Made Livingstone MarufuAGRIBANK has invested over $2,1 million into irrigation infrastructure across the country in an effort to improve agriculture productivity and casting the food security net wider. The development is set to increase the size of irrigable land as the country moves to produce all …

New pest threatens horticulture industry

New pest threatens horticulture industry November 2, 2017By Own Correspondent Tuta absoluta is threatening the horticulture. By Farai Mabeza ZIMBABWE’S horticulture industry is struggling to contain a pest known as Tuta absoluta, about a year after it was first detected in the country.Tuta absoluta originated from South America and can breed between 10 and 12 generations …

Foot, mouth disease hits Manicaland

Foot, mouth disease hits Manicaland November 2, 2017By Own Correspondent Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister Paddy Zhanda. By Kenneth Matimaire MUTARE ― Government has confirmed a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak that has hit the southern parts of the eastern region where it is threatening approximately 70 000 herd of cattle.The outbreak was first detected …

Gweru council takes blitz to urban farmers

Gweru council takes blitz to urban farmers November 2, 2017 MIDLANDS & NORTH-WEST Freedom Mupanedemo Midlands BureauGWERU municipal police yesterday patrolled the city’s open spaces, rounding up residents cultivating on undesignated places, confiscating their tools, fertilisers and seed as it extended its clampdown on illegal activities to urban farmers. Gweru city has since Monday been involved in …

Veterinary Services vaccinates 4 000 cattle

Veterinary Services vaccinates 4 000 cattle November 2, 2017 MIDLANDS & NORTH-WEST Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands ReporterTHE Veterinary Services Department has vaccinated 4 000 cattle in Gokwe-Kana area as part of efforts to contain cases of anthrax. The vaccination of the cattle comes in the wake of the death of 11 cattle and the treatment of six villagers who …

‘Farmers want Command Agric inputs early’

‘Farmers want Command Agric inputs early’ November 2, 2017 MASVINGO & SOUTH-WEST Sydney Mubaiwa in ZakaFarmers in Zaka have called for the speedy distribution of inputs under the Command Agriculture programme, as the majority of them have completed land preparation ahead of the 2017-2018 farming season. In an interview, Zaka District Agritex officer Mr Servious Makumbe said …

Govt vows to tackle armyworm

Govt vows to tackle armyworm November 2, 2017 MASVINGO & SOUTH-WEST Dr Made Tawanda Mangoma in CHIREDZIGovernment has secured knapsack sprayers that will be distributed to smallholder farmers in an attempt to fight the risk which might be caused by the fall armyworm this season. This development comes after chiefs told President Mugabe when he attended their …

Significance of financing that responds to consumption patterns

Significance of financing that responds to consumption patterns November 2, 2017 Features, Opinion & Analysis A group of women grades potatoes for packaging Charles DhewaWhile it might seem Zimbabweans favour sadza and nyama, there is mounting evidence showing increasing changes in consumption patterns. By handling more than 80 different agricultural commodities daily, informal agricultural markets are …