News – Page 6

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.

By Cliff Chiduku

Last week, someone vented his frustrations on social media after buying four tomatoes for US$1 from a vegetable vendor in a leafy Harare suburb. The vendor justifies her prices, saying the tomatoes were imports from Zambia.

There is no justification for Zimbabwe to import tomatoes from its northern neighbour given that the country is endowed with good soils and climatic conditions suitable for tomatoes growing.

Import substitution is vital in ensuring that the country realises its aspirations as espoused in the National Development Strategy 1.

A survey carried by the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) revealed that these tomatoes were being smuggled from neighbouring countries by unscrupulous people.

Smuggle tomatoes into Zimbabwe is tantamount to shooting ourselves in the foot. It implies that we are exporting jobs to other countries and loss of the much-needed foreign currency.

There is no doubt there is a ready market for tomatoes in Zimbabwe because the vegetable forms part of every meal. Fresh fruits can be used in salads and cooked with relish. Cultivars grown for processing are canned and made into purees, sauces or juices.

According to FAOSTAT, in 2020, Zimbabwe imported 2 tonnes and exported 4 tonnes of tomatoes after producing 25 113 tonnes. In 2016, Zimbabwe imported 102 tonnes of tomatoes valued at US$106 000. Zimbabwe’s highest tomato production was in 2015 when it produced 25 323 tonnes from 3 508 hectares.

Globally, major producers of tomatoes are China, India, Turkey, US, Egypt and Italy. The global average production for tomatoes from 2015 to 2020 was 216 396 496 tonnes.

That tomatoes are of nutritious could be another reason why they are on demand all-year round. They are rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, protein, fat, among others. Tomatoes are juicy and sweet, full of antioxidants, and may help fight several diseases. They are especially high in lycopene, a compound linked to improved heart health, cancer prevention, and protection against sunburns.

Since tomatoes are perishable, before one decides to venture into tomatoes farming, there is need to think about market. Is it in the village, at the growth point or town? How are you going to get your tomatoes to the market? Farmers also need to think of the cost of the production, seeds, fertilizers, and other pest and diseases control chemicals against prices obtainable in the market.

Tomato farming is one of the few lucrative and less capital-intensive agribusiness to venture into. Anyone can venture into tomato farming if they have the resources and knowledge to do so.

The good part is that farmers can venture into tomato farming anywhere in Zimbabwe as long as there is a reliable source of water. Tomato planting is usually around April and March. Tomato farming is very simple as it can be carried out at any capacity, either at the backyard (in urban settings), plot and farm (for commercial purposes).

Major varieties grown in Zimbabwe are from Prime Seedco and Avanos include Roma VF, Tengeru 97, Star 9006, RoyalePlus, Rodade, Daisy F1, Supersweet F1, Thomas F1, CandellaF1, Akella F1, Alambra F1, Perseo F1 and Vectra F1, among others.

Tomatoes thrive well on any soil provided it is fertile and well-drained. However, agronomists encourage farmers to avoid growing tomatoes on land that had tobacco because the crop is sensitive to chemicals used in tobacco farming. Farmers must also avoid smoking close to tomatoes as this could pass viruses to the plants. However, tomatoes are also sensitive to weather. They are susceptible to frost so farmers are encouraged to grow them in warm areas during winter.

Farmers are also encouraged to consult Agritex representatives in their areas on which control measures to take when pests or diseases are observed in the field. This way you are guaranteed to get the best control measure available and alternative.

Tomato farming in Zimbabwe remains lucrative. It is undoubtedly one of the agribusinesses that can spill in cash all-year around. Starting a tomato farm is easy.
All it requires is seriousness and one will discover that making money is not difficult after all.

Cliff Chiduku is Agricultural Marketing Authority communications officer

Word from the Market is a column produced by the Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA) to promote market-driven production of agricultural products.

(AMA) revealed that these tomatoes were being smuggled from neighbouring countries by unscrupulous people.

Smuggle tomatoes into Zimbabwe is tantamount to shooting ourselves in the foot. It implies that we are exporting jobs to other countries and loss of the much-needed foreign currency.

Globally, major producers of tomatoes are China, India, Turkey, US, Egypt and Italy. The global average production for tomatoes from 2015 to 2020 was 216 396 496 tonnes.

Tomato farming is one of the few lucrative and less capital-intensive agribusiness to venture into. Anyone can venture into tomato farming if they have the resources and knowledge to do so. The good part is that farmers can venture into tomato farming anywhere in Zimbabwe as long as there is a reliable source of water. Tomato planting is usually around April and March. Tomato farming is very simple as it can be carried out at any capacity, either at the backyard (in urban settings), plot and farm (for commercial purposes).

Word from the Market is a column produced by the Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA) to promote market-driven production of agricultural products.

By Cliff Chiduku

Mushroom growing has become one of the fastest-growing home-based agro-business venture in Zimbabwe.

For years, it has proven to be a wellspring of income for many, especially youths and women.

It has become popular because it allows the recycling of worthless materials such as sawdust, banana leaves, husks and dung, which could otherwise pollute the environment, to be turned into nourishing delights.

The demand for edible fungi is growing daily because some customers cannot afford to buy foods like fish or meat because they are expensive.

A mushroom is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground, on soil or on its food source.

A nutritionist with a local non-governmental organisation, Chipo Mtemba concurred that mushrooms contain the same nutrients such as protein that are usually found in other meats. She added that mushroom, also known as toadstool, also provide a type of protein known as lysine and tryptophan, which usually lacks in some cereals and vegetables.

“Mushrooms are highly nutritious, low fat and medicinal foods that are crucial to human health. They act as antioxidants that may protect the body against cancer, immune boosters and lower high blood pressure,” Mtemba said. “While it (mushroom) it only rich in proteins, it is also a good source of vitamins, minerals and folic acid, as well as being a useful supply of iron for anaemic people.”

Zimbabwe boasts of a variety of indigenous mushrooms that are harvested in forests and their production is confined to the rainfall season as it provides conducive conditions for the germination of spores. These include nhedzi, huvhe, zheve, pfirifiti, chihumbiro and dindindi, among others.

While some people are sceptical of consuming wild mushrooms for fear of poisoning, mushroom farming has of late gained traction due to ever-increasing demand. Cultivated varieties include oyster and button, which are sold as fresh or dried.

Ready market

Mushroom farmer Owen Karembera said he is making a fortune out of edible fungi production and training.

“Mushroom farming is very easy. One must undergo a one-week training, where they are equipped with the ins and outs of growing mushroom. Some of the advantages of mushrooming farming is that it requires less labour and doesn’t require huge capital, yet, the market for the delicacy is readily available,” he said, adding that he was being overwhelmed by demand, especially from supermarkets and hoteliers. Karembera said on average, he harvests 20kg per week.

One can venture into a mushroom project with growing structures made of plastic sheeting at the backyard of the home in urban settings. In rural areas, readily available material such maize stalks can be used. What is then required is spore and mushroom seed which is also affordable.

Mushroom farming in Zimbabwe is not as organised as other agri-ventures and this makes it difficult to track production and marketing of the crop. However, the FAOSTAT estimates that in 2018, Zimbabwe produced 770 tonnes of mushroom, 800 tonnes in 2019 and 830 tonnes in 2020.

The world mushroom market is projected to grow from 15,25 million tonnes in 2021 to 24,05 million tonnes in 2028, according to the Fortune Business Insights. Button is the most consumed type across the world. China, US, Italy, UK, Germany and India are the top producers of mushroom.

A survey by the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) revealed that a kilogramme of button costs between US$7 and US$10, while that of oyster costs between US$2,50 and US$5 in local supermarkets. To supplement its national requirement, Zimbabwe is importing mushroom from China and Poland.

Opportunities

That there is a ready market for “ground meat” and that currently our local production is not satisfying the local markets should provide enough motivation to venture into mushroom farming. Zimbabwe boost of conducive climatic conditions for production, especially of oyster mushroom. Mushroom production can be done irrespective of age and gender provided one has necessary skills. It also provides quick returns and a potential income generator all-year round.

With the government’s foot on the pedal to attain food sufficiency, mushroom farming remains a low hanging fruit. National food sufficiency is key as enunciated in the National Development Strategy 1, which identifies food security and nutrition as drivers of economic revival.

Cliff Chiduku is Agricultural Marketing Authority communications officer.

Word from the Market is a column produced by the Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA) to promote market-driven production of agricultural products. Send feedback to: cchiduku@ama.co.zw or WhatsApp +263781706212.

Peter Mudzimiri

The country is gearing for the 2022/2023 agricultural season. Harvesting of the 2022 winter wheat crop has also commenced for the early crop. It is all hands on the deck to ensure yet another successful agricultural season.

Calls have been made by various stakeholders for clarity on the marketing of grains and other oil seed products. The purpose of this article is to provide a clear and concise guide on the marketing of grains in Zimbabwe to enable farmers, contractors and other stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Basically, grains are crops such as maize, traditional grains (finger millet, rapoko, sorghum, among others), wheat, barley including other oils seeds such as sunflower and soya beans. It is important to note that maize, soya beans, wheat and barley and are controlled products in terms of the Grain Marketing (Control of Sale of Maize) Regulations, 2019 (Statutory Instrument 145 of 2019), the Grain Marketing (Control of Sale of Soya Beans) Regulations, 2021 (Statutory Instrument 97 of 2021) and the Grain Marketing (Control of Sale of Wheat and Barley) Regulations, 2021 (Statutory Instrument 188 of 2021) respectively. The effect of these regulations is that certain restrictions apply on the marketing of the crops.

Essentially movement permits are required to move these crops from one point to the other and there are also sale restrictions depending on the scheme of production.

Financing of production

The marketing of grains is based on the production scheme. The government’s thrust is for heightened private players’ participation in the production of agricultural products and in particular grains.

The current policy is that industrial players should finance at least 30% of their raw material requirements. As an example, companies such as National Foods or Delta Beverages which are into manufacturing must ensure that they support the production of the necessary raw materials through contract farming arrangements.

There are basically four forms of financing arrangements for grains production in Zimbabwe namely contract farming by private contractors, Government supported programme – Pfumvudza/Intwasa, National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS) (formerly known as Command Agriculture) and self-financed farmers.

In contract farming, private contractors enter into volume-based contracts with farmers whereby inputs and the necessary extension services are supplied to the farmer. In return, the contractor will recover the investment from the yield.

The Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme is a climate proof initiative supported by Government. The NEAPS is mainly administered by CBZ Agro-Yield and the AFC Land and Development Bank. Self-financed farmers are those farmers who finances their own production from free funds. Self-financed farmers are now categorized as contractors for marketing purposes and must thus register with the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) as such.

Marketing of grains

Marketing of the grains produced under the above-provided production schemes differ. All farmers who produce under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme and NEAPS must deliver their produce to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB). Contracted farmers must deliver to the respective contractors in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed in the contract farming agreement.

For movement purposes, contractors must obtain grain movement permits from GMB. Self-financed farmers are allowed to market their produce freely, but must also obtain movement permits from the GMB.

As a measure to curb side-marketing, self-financed famers are required to be cleared by Agritex and the Agricultural Marketing Authority to check on other obligations either to government or private contractors as the case maybe, before movement permits are issued.

In terms of pricing, government announces prices for the grains that are delivered to the GMB. The pricing is on a cost-plus basis whereby the cost of production is taken into account and a margin is added. In private contract arrangements, parties agree on an offtake pricing applicable depending on certain variables such as type of crop, support level among others.

For this winter wheat season, a sleek movement permit system has been put in place. Contractors shall be issued with bulk permits by GMB based on yield or output from the registered data. The bulk permits are dispatched to various GMB depots where goods dispatch vouchers are issued to individual trucks transporting the wheat.

The Agricultural Marketing Authority is calling upon all contractors and self-financed farmers to register before commencement of the 2022/23 farming season. Registration is done online at www.ama.co.zw.

This article was written by Peter Mudzimiri, AMA Head of Compliance and Corporate Secretary.

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.

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.

Agricultural Marketing Authority CEO @Clever_Isaya presenting worker of quarter shields at the authority strategic review meeting in Harare. From left: Emelda Hwara (Mashonaland East field officer) and @pandebwendengo (Masvingo filed officer).

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/

The Sunflower farming guide provides the pertinent information that you need to know on the production and marketing of the crop.

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