Posts by Staff Writer
Indigenous livestock breeds
Nguni sheep: Indigenous small livestock At the ADMA Indigenous Breeds Sale, besides the Mashona, Nkone and Tuli cattle – all indigenous Zimbabwean breeds known for their hardiness – there also were two breeds of sheep on exhibition in the new small livestock pens section. The first breed were Dorpers, recognisable by their uniform black heads…
Read MoreZimbabwe’s 2024/25 maize recovery
This agricultural season tells a tale of dramatic recovery following Southern Africa’s worst drought in recent history. The 2023/24 summer rainfall season, characterised by El Niño conditions and a devastating mid-season drought, forced regional heads of state to declare emergencies. South Africa lost about 20% of its crop, Zambia 50% and Zimbabwe recording a devastating…
Read MoreRecord-breaking national tobacco yield smashes output target
Tobacco production this year has exceeded the 300 million kg annual target set by the Government of Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan. As at day 74 of sales, 309 million kg of flue-cured Virginia have been sold, compared with 212 million kg on the same day last year. In 2023, sales fell tantalisingly short…
Read MoreSaturday’s 10th Boran production sale set for excellence
In Zimbabwe, the Boran cattle, continue to gain countrywide recognition and build on their reputation as a breed with the ability to turn low-grade roughage into high-quality beef. Exported from Kenya to South Africa, Zambia and beyond, these adapted, resilient, hardy and fertile cattle have proven their value, and here in Zimbabwe, they continue to…
Read MoreADMA Agrishow wraps up another successful indigenous cattle breed sale
Zimbabwe’s premier agricultural showcase has closed its doors until 2026, but not before making history with its strongest indigenous cattle sale yet. The 9th ADMA Agrishow reinforced its position as Zimbabwe’s biggest agricultural event, strategically timed mid-year to avoid clashing with regional competitors Nampo (South Africa) and Agritech (Zambia). Next year marks the milestone 10th…
Read MoreZimbabwe’s indigenous livestock find their spotlight at ADMA Agrishow
With only a few days to go until the ADMA Agrishow (ART Farm, Pomona, Harare Drive), final adjustments are being made for the show’s second indigenous livestock breeds exhibition and sale – an event that represents nearly eight decades of overdue recognition for Zimbabwe’s hardy native cattle. At Saturday’s auction (7 June, final day of…
Read MoreMombe yehumai: Building on cultural heritage with modern science to pioneer sustainable dairy farming in Zimbabwe
Agriculture will fail if it does not work towards improving the lives of the local community At Doonside Farm, Mutorashanga, Dr Percy Sharp, in collaboration with farm owner Mark Hook, is developing a sustainable dairy enterprise that builds upon the visionary work of the late Dr Japie Jackson while honouring Zimbabwe’s rich cultural traditions. The…
Read MoreNew hope for debt-ridden smallholder tobacco farmers
In a press release dated 20 May, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) announced it would be offering debt relief to tobacco farmers who received loans under the Tobacco Inputs Credit Scheme (TICS) but have struggled to repay them due to economic difficulties, climate issues, and viability constraints. Key relief measures include: 50% discount for farmers who…
Read MoreNavigating the ADMA Agrishow 2025
Ready for Zimbabwe’s biggest agricultural showcase? It’s not long to go until the ADMA Agrishow returns to ART Farm, Pomona, Harare Drive from June 5-7. This event brings together farmers, suppliers, and ag enthusiasts for three days of innovation, equipment, and inputs associated with agriculture in Zimbabwe. Whilst the finer details of organising an event…
Read MorePoor infrastructure degrading our export fruit quality, HDC warns
Good roads are key for exporters. We need to get our produce to markets on time, and in good shape. Bad roads delay trade, and degrade fruit quality. This harms Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in global markets. At the recently-concluded Zimbabwe International Trade Fair held in Bulawayo, Horticulture Development Council (HDC) CEO, Linda Nielsen, urged the government…
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