Posts by Staff Writer
Tobacco seed alert: Protecting Zimbabwe’s golden leaf industry
Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry faces a growing threat from illegal seed varieties entering the market, according to a recent report from Kutsaga Research Station. Mr. Francis Mukoyi, Head of Genetics, Biotechnology & Bioinnovations at Kutsaga, warns that unauthorised tobacco varieties are compromising both farmer profitability and the country’s reputation as a premium tobacco producer. Troubling trend Kutsaga…
Read MoreCattle inspections at Pungeni and Have Hook Nkone Studs
Leading up to the ADMA Agrishow’s Indigenous Livestock exhibition and sale (June 5-7), participating cattle producers are working on finalising their selection of animals for submission. As the show is being held under the administration of the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) where animals intended for the event must be registered with the ZHB, an integral…
Read MoreFinding solutions to human-wildlife conflict in Namibia’s farming communities
In the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), an innovative approach to human-wildlife coexistence is transforming the lives of farmers and wildlife alike. The work done by the Kwando Carnivore Project (KCP) in Namibia’s Zambezi Region demonstrates how thoughtful conservation strategies can protect both livelihoods and lions. A chance meeting with Tanaka Muradzikwa, a Zimbabwean working with…
Read MoreShowcasing agricultural innovation at the ART Summer Field Day
The Agricultural Research Trust (ART) Summer Field Day is an important event for Zimbabwe’s farming community, offering a unique opportunity for farmers, researchers, and industry professionals to witness summer crop trials (including maize, sorghum, soya, and sunflowers) and the latest agricultural innovations firsthand. This annual event transforms ART’s research farm into a showcase of the…
Read MoreCarmen Stubbs (1935-2025)
“These Mashona animals are my passion and Zimbabwe’s heritage.” With the news of the passing of Carmen Stubbs on Monday, 17 March 2025, came an outpouring of tributes from across Zimbabwe’s cattle producing community. For over six decades, Carmen dedicated her life to the conservation and advancement of our very own indigenous Sanga Mashona cattle breed, leaving…
Read MoreExpanding ADMA Agrishow horizons with increased indigenous livestock sale facilities
The annual ADMA Agrishow’s landscape is set to transform with an expansion of livestock facilities that promises to elevate Zimbabwe’s indigenous breed showcasing and sales capabilities. “We are committed to creating a world-class platform for our indigenous livestock breeds,” says Marco Garizio, Agricultural Dealers and Manufacturers Association (ADMA) Chairman, highlighting the vision behind this ambitious…
Read MoreZimbabwe’s 2025 tobacco marketing season opens
On March 5, 2025, the annual tobacco sales and marketing season officially began at the Tobacco Sales Floor in Willowvale, Harare. The ceremony featured the auction of the first bale, which fetched USD 4.65 for lemon leaf tobacco, continuing the time-honored tradition presided over by the guest of honour, Hon. Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Minister…
Read MoreFall armyworm continues to ravage crops in Zimbabwe
Fall armyworm (FAW) is an insect pest (Spodoptera frugiperda) that is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It was first detected in Africa in 2016 (reported in Zimbabwe in September of that year) and has since spread to many African countries. It is thought to have reached Africa through imported produce or…
Read MoreThe importance of stud livestock, pedigrees and records for the livestock sector
The Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) is an important registry system that maintains detailed records of pedigree livestock breeds in Zimbabwe. It serves as the official database documenting the lineage, performance records, and genetic history of registered cattle, sheep and goats, ensuring the integrity and traceability of superior breeding stock. Why is the Zimbabwe Herd Book…
Read MoreZTA and HDC raise alarm over RBZ’s forex retention cut
Both the Zimbabwe Tobacco Association (ZTA) and the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) have issued strong statements in reaction to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s recent directive to reduce foreign currency retention for exporters from 75% to 70%. Both organisations warn of far-reaching consequences for the country’s agricultural export industries. Tobacco sector faces critical timing challenge…
Read More