WORD FROM THE MARKET
By Peter Mudzimiri
The last quarter of 2022 witnessed the outbreak of the foot and mouth disease in some parts of the country particularly in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and parts of Manicaland provinces.
The government has upped efforts to contain the disease through the necessary treatment and vaccinations. Concerted effort is therefore needed in the greater livestock sector to sustain the growth trajectory. Contributions to the Livestock Development Levy becomes crucial in order to maintain good animal husbandry practices.
Section 31 of the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act (Chapter 18:24) establishes the Agricultural Marketing Fund (AMF) which is administered by Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) on behalf and in accordance with the instructions from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. The purpose of the fund among other uses include: promoting the marketing and, as may be necessary, the production of agricultural products; the training of persons to be skilled, competent and efficient in the marketing of any agricultural products; the production and processing standards of any such products for particular markets and the training of persons in any field-related to the agricultural industry as may be considered essential and the provision of technical, consultancy and advisory services to persons engaged in the marketing of agricultural products or in the agricultural industry generally or any section of the industry as well as fostering the demand for agricultural products.
The fund is composed of monies that may be allocated by Treasury in the national budget as well as levies that are charged in terms of the Act. AMA is charged with the responsibility to ensure proper accounting of the fund monies including external audits and reports on behalf of the responsible minister. AMA further administers several regulations for the agricultural sub-sectors such as livestock, seed cotton and macadamia. Levies are appropriated from these sectors into the AMF for the designated purposes in terms of the Act.
In 2017, the minister promulgated the Agricultural Marketing Authority (Livestock Development Levy) Regulations, 2017 under Statutory Instrument 129 of 2017. The purpose of these regulations is to establish a livestock development levy, provide for its uses and the disbursement thereof. The livestock development levy forms part of the AMF as stated above.
It is regrettable that there has been some misconception regarding this levy which however serves as an important enabler in the livestock sector. As such there has been reluctancy by stakeholders to contribute to this levy hence AMA’s heed is for all stakeholders to abide and contribute to the development of the sector through this levy. The advantages of doing so, as shall be explained below, are many.
The levy is payable by those in the business of production of chicks, buying of raw milk and slaughtering of beef cattle. The purpose of the levy is to promote; surveillance prevention and control of animal disease in accordance with the Animal Health Act (Chapter 9:0l), research on appropriate technologies in livestock production and animal health, transparent grading and classification of livestock and livestock products, orderly marketing of livestock, investment in veterinary infrastructure and sustainable animal husbandry practices.
The rates payable by producers of day-old chicks is US$0,01 per day old chick. Buyers of raw milk pay US$0,01 per litre and abattoirs pay US$10.00 of the value of a fifth quarter per animal slaughtered. Stakeholders are required to submit monthly returns together with contributions to the levy. The disbursement of the levy is very transparent. Disbursement is done only for the stipulated purposes above. The minister appoints a disbursement committee comprising of an official from AMA, a member from the Department of Veterinary Services, a member from producers’ association to represent farmers and a member from the association of processors. The committee is charged with the responsibility of coming up with recommendations to the minister on how the funds can be utilised subject to objects as stated in the regulations.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority together with other development partners is leading the rehabilitation of cattle holding pens across the country in a bid to revive public livestock auction sales. Cattle auction sales have already begun and the first was held at Mpalawani in Insiza, Matabeleland South province last year. Other auctions were also held in Gomoza, Mutiusinazita and Chirozva (Buhera, Manicaland province) in December. Average prices ranged from US$1,00 to US$1,70 per kg.
AMA, therefore, call upon all stakeholders to come forward with feedback. Livestock remains a vital cog in the quest for agricultural revival hence all hands must be on the deck.
Peter Mudzimiri is AMA Head of Compliance
Word from the market is a column produced by the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) to promote market-driven production. Feedback cchiduku@ama.co.zw or WhatsApp/Call +263781706212.
WORD FROM THE MARKET
By Cliff Chiduku
People usually come up with business ideas after having discussions with friends, family members, or while having a lone moment. However, at times picking someone else’s idea and try to make it better can do the trick. Bee-keeping is usually the last of ideas that people would want to venture into, but it can be as rewarding as any other businesses if carried our properly.
Apiculture is an art or science of keeping bees for the purposes of harvesting hive products and offering bee related services. The aim of this article is to provide the relevant information on bee-keeping as a business and how it can transform livelihoods in Zimbabwe.
A Mutare-based farmer, Norest Moyo said his bee-keeping journey has not only been fascinating but rewarding. “One of the most important things every businessperson needs to have is product knowledge. Knowledge is power. My passion is more about bees, and I believe that when you take care of these insects, they will return the favour tenfold,” he said. He further added that “bees are responsible for most of the food we eat, and if we get rid of all our bees, humanity will obviously face extinction”.
Moyo reckoned that if every farmer becomes an apiculturist, they automatically become conservationists, because a bee farmer will always plant trees, make sure there are flowers around and reduce use of pesticides which can be dangerous to the environment. Below is some of the jargon used in beekeeping.
Key jargon
Colony is a group of bees comprising of a queen bee, hundreds of drones (male bees) and thousands of worker bees. When this group of bees occupy a space and make it their home, they are classified as a colony. Apiary is a place where a group of hives with bees are kept. A hive is a man-made shelter for bees to occupy and manufacture hive products. There are several hive products which include honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom, bee wax and nucleus colonies. Propolis and its extracts have applications which can be used in the treatment of ailments due to its anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, antimycotic, anti-fungal, antiulcer, anti-cancer and immunomodulatory properties.
Type of hives
Traditional – these are fixed comb hives usually made from barks or logs. They are cheap to acquire, but pose an environmental burden hence are not sustainable and are no longer encouraged. Deforestation to ring barking and logging destroys forests.
Transitional – These are designed from traditional hives into more modern hive designs. Examples of transitional hives include Kenyan and Tanzanian top bar hives. These have movable combs and usually used in a fixed apiary. If hives are transported, the combs breaks, so transitional hives are not ideal for migratory beekeeping. However, they are environmentally friendly if made from sustainably harvested timber.
Langstroth hives – These are hives comprising of a floorboard and brood box, a queen excluder, a honey super box and lid. They allow for migratory beekeeping because the combs are secure. Such hives are ideal for pollination services, commercial beekeeping operations as they are expandable.
Other bee-related services include swarm removal and relocation services, pollination, provision of beekeeping equipment, hives, protective clothing, smokers and bee brushes and training and consulting services, among others.
Kenyan top bar hive costs and average of US$25 and can produce 15kg to 20kg of honey per harvest. Langstroth hives cost and average of US$100 and can produce 12kg per one super box per harvest, a hive can have two to three supers. Average harvests can be two or three times per year depending on microclimatic factors, ecological zones and vegetation. Average selling price of honey is US$6 per kg.
Apiculturist said she realises more than US$4 000 monthly from beekeeping, especially from pollination services.
Market
Leading importers of honey in 2021, according to Statista.com, include US, German, Japan, UK, China and France. Demand is usually high, especially during winter due to prevalence of colds and flus. Drinking tea mixed with honey is a home remedy to soothe a sore throat. Yes, honey is believed to be an effective cough suppressant.
Analysts attribute low production in Zimbabwe to poor co-ordination, lack of appropriate technologies and poor beekeeping practices. This is the reason why the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is calling for apiculturists to register with the authority so that there is a coordinated production of honey and related products.
Zimbabwe should take advantage of “sweet” export opportunities and the ever-increasing global honey market to diversify income sources. With its medicinal and nutritional value, honey will always be on demand all-year round. It is evident that bee-keeping remains a high return and low risk agro-business. Undoubtedly, bee-keeping has the potential to contribute significantly to food and nutrition security as espoused in the National Development Strategy 1.
Peter Gwidibira, a bee-keeping expert and director of Mwamuna Agro and Honey Afrique contributed to this article.
Word from the market is a column produced by the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) to promote market driven production of agricultural crops. Feedback cchiduku@ama.co.zw or WhatsApp +263781706212.
Step-by-Step documentation process to help you when exporting Horticulture produce from Zimbabwe.
1. Register with Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) which is the national authority that regulates marketing of Agric products in Zimbabwe.
This is an Annual registration as an Agro-producer or dealer.
Located at 8 Leman Rd, Harare (along 2nd Street near UZ turn off)
Just across the road, you might as well visit ZimTrade for helpful info, trade advice, tips & available market opportunities.2
2. Next step is to apply for an Export permit with Ministry of Lands Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement at Ngungunyana building, 1 Borrowdale Rd.
The permit is valid for a specific product, maximum quantity & time period.
3. Next, apply for a Phytosanitary certificate issued by Plant Quarantine Services.
The certificate attests that your product meet phyto requirements as specified by the importing country.
You can contact their Mazowe or Harare Airport Office.
4. Complete CD1 Form at your Commercial Bank. This is an exchange control requirement with the RBZ.
It specifies the value of the consignment. You have 90 days to ensure you acquit (remmit).
You may apply for extension beyond 90 days in case if buyer delays payment.
5. Process your Bill of Entry with ZIMRA at Kurima House. You can engage a clearing agent to assist.
The BoE specifies the product, quantity, value, transport, port of exit..
This is the basic process flow, although some markets will specify other documents.
6. In addition to that know your market requirements and the certification schemes or food safety standards required by the buyers, importers, distributors eg GLOBALG.A.P. FSSC 22000 etc.
7. Engage a consultant specialised in the particular certification schemes or food safety standards required by your export market for the certification process involved.
8. Engage a licensed certification body specialized in the certification scheme or food safety standard for certification.
The following Market Pointers are available on request:
Avocados for the Netherlands market
Mangoes for t he Netherlands market
Macadamia nuts for the German market
Sweet Potatoes for the United Kingdom market
Peas for the Netherlands market
Peas for the United Kingdom market
Beans for the German market
Blueberries for the Netherlands Market
Avocado oil for the Indian Market
Avocado oil to Netherlands
HDPE Plastics to China
LDPE Plastics to China
Jam to the Angola Market
Jam to the Kenyan Market
Dried culinary Herbs to the UK
Beans for the Netherlands market
Wooden Poles for the Zambian market
Concrete Tiles for the Zambian market
Refrigerators for the Tanzania market
Honey for the EU market
UHT Full cream milk for the Namibia market
Beef for the Angola Market
Yoghurt for the DRC Market
Moringa to the German Market
Chocolate to the U.K. Market
Fresh cut roses and buds for
the Netherlands Market
Jam to the Tanzanian Market
Jam to the Zambian Market
From Zim trade. http://www.tradezimbabwe.com/exporting-from-zimbabwe-2/export-markets/market-pointers/
Word from the Market With AMA
The agricultural marketing season for grains and tobacco is upon us with that of cotton imminent. The Government has already announced the floor producer prices for maize, soya bean, sunflower and traditional grains. Market discipline remains the hallmark of a successful agricultural marketing season.In Zimbabwe maize, soya bean, wheat, barley, cotton and tobacco are classified as controlled products. This means that farmers and buyers must ensure deliveries are made to designated or registered entities such as auction floors and the Grain Marketing Board (GMB). https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/market-discipline-hallmark-of-successful-agricultural-marketing
Word from the Market with AMA
Zvishavane is popularly known as the hub of mining activities in the Midlands province. However, in recent years, the town has been slowly emerging as an agricultural hub. An increase in horticultural activities is behind this transformation and the effects are starting to be felt in the local agricultural sector. At the centre of the growth of horticulture is the materialisation of the government thrust that emphasises the growth of the horticulture the sector
Last week, Zvishavane hosted the inaugural Midlands Horticulture Expo under the theme “Explore, Connect and Earn.” The main purpose of the expo was to create linkages between farmers, investors, and value chain players. The main word to come from the event was that farmers were failing to find markets to sell their produce.
A leading factor in the success of smallholder farmers is access to markets. Market access refers to the ability of farmers to seize available market opportunities. During the expo, the Agricultural Marketing Authority established that most farmers in the Midlands province, especially Mberengwa are organised into groups or associations. However, it has been difficult for their produce to find a way to organised food markets which are mainly found in the urban areas.
Being organised for farmers facilitates better market access and linkages. The success of these farmers is also hinged on timely access to relevant market information which will enable them to be active participants in the mainstream economy. Part of the reason farmers are failing to break into the lucrative channels is because of small quantities they produce and the low quality of the product which is not preferred by the major buyers and off-takers. Hence, aggregation of produce, which is only possible if farmers are organised, will increase their bargaining power for better prices.
Once farmers are registered and organised into groups, it makes it easy for the Agricultural Marketing Authority to facilitate market access, through bringing together the buyers and the farmers.
Mr Charles Dhewa of Knowledge Transfer Africa (Emkambo) says once a product has a market, the potential for re-investment and expanding production increases.
“In recent decades, some Zimbabwean rural communities have seen indigenous fruits like baobab fruit and Nyii from their areas becoming a source of income and livelihood.
Such trends have incentivized these communities to protect indigenous forests and trees. By creating space for indigenous food, African mass markets have also increased the value of indigenous food systems, leading to some people replacing exotic fruit trees with indigenous fruit trees in their gardens and orchards.”
The farmer registration program that the AMA is currently spearheading will create a database that will enable increased market participation by smallholder farmers. As farmers are linked to buyers, there is a creation of a market-led pricing environment and improved incomes.
Speaking at the Zvishavane Expo, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Vangelis Haritatos said “The horticultural sector has potential to increase its production, reaching national sufficiency and export of surplus. The subsector can contribute to a robust agricultural sector complementing towards attaining vision 2030 through import substitution, food security, employment creation and household income”
As farmers continue to create organised groups for the purpose market access continued growth of the agricultural sector will be realised. Improved market access as well as development of local markets will increase horticulture production and better livelihoods for farmers.
Word from the market is a column produced by the Agricultural Marketing Authority. Feedback mmlambo@ama.co.zw or gmashiri@ama.co.zw
1. The Agricultural Marketing Authority wishes to remind all self- financed farmers and contractors participating in the 2022 winter wheat season to register and be accounted for in the national database as wheat is a controlled crop.
2. Registration is in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act (Chapter 18:24) as read with Statutory Instruments 140 of 2013 and 271 of 2021 (Grain, Oilseed and Products).
3. Registration is done online at www.ama.co.zw
4. Registration can also be done at One Stop Shop at Ngungunyana Building, No.1 Borrowdale Road, Harare.
5. For any inquiries, please contact AMA Agribusiness department through the following telephone number 04308662-4 Ext 111/112 or send an email to info@ama.co.zw or pkutadza@ama.co.zw