MASHONALAND CENTRAL
REPORT TO CONGRESS 2009
INTRODUCTION:This region has just experienced another fantastic rainy season with little crop to show for it. Politically the region was heavily affected during and after the June elections last year. Confidence in the commercial sector was again at an all time low particularly in the row crops as there was very little finance to speak of and the will to produce was again affected by the various and often hostile takeovers of properties under the name of Land Reform. Properties with Bippa protection were also affected mid season and tonnes of fresh produce and crop were lost to a few of the local heavy weight politicians. Tobacco continued to be produced efficiently and effectively with the backing of the trade without which production would be doomed. CROPSIn general this was a season where both the commercial sector and small scale sector should have taken care of food security for the foreseeable future. The rains were perfect for maize and soya production; yet again the timing of planting was affected by finance shortages, seed, fertilizer and chemical shortages. Sadly this has become the norm and will continue until the rule of law is returned. Tobacco within the province continued to be produced and quality was excellent although with the heavy rains yield was lower than budgeted for. The prices from the trade are generally very good. Viability in both sectors have been the subject of much debate and will continue to be for as long as there are no viable long term financial rescue packages available. Horticultural production has had a tough year and the prices returned for most products have been poor. The world recession has not helped the situation and continues to pressurize the viability of this sector. Rose production continues to fall and the cost of establishing new projects is too risky and without the rule of law it is impossible to finance this sector. The Livestock sector has had a potentially good season. There is plenty of grass however again most of the commercial stock is struggling as the herds need to be kraaled at night and theft is a huge problem. Again finance in this sector is limited and the margins in cattle production are tight. Finally wheat production is pathetic. This province has the facilities to produce wheat, however again there is no finance available. Zesa is becoming more of a problem and the producer prices have not been good for some time. The water facilities are still there but maintenance on the dam wall is poor. The potential for wheat in this province is great but with a few lands of wheat here and there, there are plenty of irrigated lands with no wheat in at all. CONCLUSION:In conclusion, if one looks at the province today with the rainfall it received there is very little maize, soya and wheat being produced. The Land Reform Program continues and the rule of law is not followed. This sector cannot recover until investor confidence is restored by firstly compensating the previous owners, secondly restoring property rights, and thirdly respecting the rule of law. Until these three points are addressed agriculture in this province will remain very subsistence orientated. Thank you.
A Bruk-Jackson(Chairman)13 July 2009