Afrostain Farmtech Magazine Vol1

To be the bread basket Radzim Agri-Power of Africa again.... Agricultural Equipment and Generators Afrostain Farmtech News Magazine Email: [email protected] Office: (0242) 210 262 / 420 The secret of Website: www.radzim.online the butternut AfrostainFarmtech http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Editorial  2 EDITORIAL Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Afrostain Farmtech is therefore calling for the global WENCESLOUS NYAMUPFUKUDZA The next generation of tycoons community to honor their will be the farmers commitments for climate change “The next generation adaptation in support of millions of tycoons will be youths within various provinces research for food and nutrition them even more efficient and of African smallholder farmers. farmers,” according to and districts , the majority of security strategies alongside sustainable by virtue of It being Dr Akinwumi Adesina, whom are farmers.” Together value addition and beneficion. key to food security in Africa Ladies and gentlemen and currently President with them we will make sure But this will be done on in general and Zimbabwe in partners in hope, optimism of the African the green revolution happens, to a sustained basis, and in particular. Our partners in the can no longer be deferred. Development Bank transform our people’s lives. cooperation with the farmers. Agricultural technology and The time for action is now as (AfDB) innovation are as well working we strengthen outreach for Agriculture experts ☑️We have agreed to accelerate tirelessly in ways to adress profitable venture in gribusiness. THIS he said recently he believes access to small scale farmers who climate change and we are so that farming will produce the Of course our gracious, are into livestock production much motivated that there Yearly we celebrate next generation of millionaires impassioned agricultural with home grown solutions to is paradise in the future of the remarkable life and and billionaires than any other experts will throw their weight livestock improvement. agriculture achievements of the architect of sector in Africa. behind this shining moment of the green revolution, Dr. Normal transformation for Zimbabwe. ☑️We have agreed to work with We are encouraging more Borlaug who saved more lives Here’s is the time to So you can feel my heart beat, Zimbabweans abroad on their farming communities to change than anyone else in history. Strategically position ourselves for I know that we have arrived agribusiness plans and manage the mindset. It is very important And yet in his final days, his and engage in a Transitional at the tipping point were we their agricultural projects to be a farmer! We all know very last words were, “Take it to Stabilization Programme (TSP) have to convert words to action. that we farmers can not succeed the farmer!” Yes, take it to the that elevate our agricultural We have launched ourselves For all of the above to unless we the agricultural farmer. It is our mandate that his system as we also do Justice to on a trajectory toward taking work, we will implement more technology companies play words live on. And they shall, the Sustainable Development the green revolution to scale inclusive business models that our role and you the farmers with Africa’s own and unique Goals (SDGs) which include and transform our nations link agri-businesses, commercial do your part too We need not green revolution empowed by but not limited to poverty through agriculture as we aim farms, smallholder farmers as to get used to poverty and by Afrostain Farmtech. eradication, and Zero hunger! at strengthening outreach for well as financial institutions. religiously following our mode profitable venture in agribusines. All of these must ensure that of operation, we will eradicate it. As we move forward, This is excellent news. We smallholder farmers grow and strongly united and passionately are finally getting the message Let me reflect a little bit operate as businesses to grow Even though we can not committed to the concrete across. Agriculture pays. on the concrete actions going and contribute to the success of successfully do all the things actions that we have jointly Agriculture is a business. And forward that comes out of our our nation. we aim to do our trusted worked on. With our hands we are ready to run it as one, for plan.☑️We are going stretch our government will take us through on the plow, we will till this millions of smallholder farmers, efforts to support start up We will therefore call for but I am convinced that the beautiful land’s soil together, and backyard & urban farmers as well farmers who would have gone a strong need to sustainable farmers who hold the reins of help Zimbabwe reap a bountiful as well as commercial large scale through our extension and and conservative farming poverty eradication, will lead harvest. farmers. outreach programs to scale up technologies as well as better at this most crucial time as we Return on investment plans water management and getting realize our dream of achieving a As we publish this digital Fortunately, Afrostain across many more Zimbabwean the most crop yield per drop green revolution for Zimbabwe magazine, and as we unveil our Farmtech in these years who are communities, consistent with of water and ensuring that our and africa in general. partnership with Zimbabwe at the forefront of promoting the investment blueprints for the farmers can build an asset base Digital News, and Diversified Africa in general and Zimbabwe agricultural growth corridors. that will improve their resilience As we go forward, the Media Technology we pledge to in particular in developing in addition to sustainable euphoria must be tempered by change the world of agriculture home grown solutions to unlock ☑️We have agreed to empower livestock improvement strategies. the sobering reality of climate multi-media in the digital world. agricultural productivity. women throughout the change. We will put in place agricultural value chain by As a matter of fact we measures to adapt to this This is Zimbabwe’s moment. The women – Some from accelerating knowledge transfer recognize that the backbone of onslaught of nature. African Together we will feed the Afrostain Farmtech who on improved agricultural African agriculture is mixed crop farmer did not cause climate people, enrich ourselves as well are Agronomists, scientists, technology. ☑️Increase our & livestock systems. Livestock change but she must bear the as empower the youths and policymakers to owners of agri will be integrated into the vitally brunt of it. Let’s change our marginalized population. And business are actually rallying important breadbasket initiatives destiny behold-we will not fail! As we behind the movement. This and corridor models, to make move towards strengthening is encouraging, for only they outreach for profitable venture know, better than anyone, in agribusines that the green revolution is first and foremost about them! Thank you so much Zimbabwe’s women will lead the Makatikoshera✊ charge. Your future We were particularly delighted to see the cream of Whether you are an Zimbabwe’s young men and established farmer looking to women who are entrepreneurs expand or to improve your joining us and they carried a existing farm operations, or a unique message. “we would potential new farmer, large or want to promote our fellow small-scale, we are developing many solutions for you. The extensive and intensive decent and sustainable farming technologies are a quick, cost- effective and environmentally- friendly methods to beginning or growing your profitable venture or farming career. Contact us to find out how we can grow the African farming community together. Cheers. Afrostain Farmtech News Magazine Editor: Wenceslous Nyamupfukudza: - August 2020 Afrostain Farmtech News Magazine is distributed free to our networks +263 712 689 214 Text: Subscribe today, and join our information and news media connection Afrostain Farmtech News Magazine is produced in partnership with Zimbabwe THEEXSPURNEDSSAY Digital News and Diversified Media Technology (Pvt) Ltd http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Crops and horticulture  3 This week’s frequently asked question: I would like to venture into onion farming. How do I do it...? FREQUENTLY ASKED That is why i say it is all and as you can see from the ready with the right fungicides, Nowadays the best way to QUESTION (FAQ). I’m a first science, you can get the best values above bulb onions pesticides, checking on the know when to irrigate as well time farmer, and would like variety but soil is exhausted.. require a lot of nitrogen spacing of your onions no way as how much to irrigate (crop to venture into onion farming followed by potassium, calcium, you can do 15cm inrow then water requirement) is to make and would like to know. What Remember for you to get sulfur then phosphorous comes get that tonnage,! plant eight use of moisture meters such as do all the top entreprenuers 1tonne of that bulb onion you in. lines in a bed to be served by tensiometers or moisture probes that are successful have in need to have four driplines, as shown on the photo below common? In fact many do not know 3kg of Nitrogen some nutrients yet “essential” There’s no way you can In other words it is not a Answer: All Precision 2.5kg of potassium that is boron and sulfur. If plant 1kg in acre then expect miracle that you will get 25 farmers are focusing on the 0.8kg of calcium your crop lack these, calculate 25 tonnes you must plant tonnes per acre you need to superior Genetics and Good 0.8kg of sulphur with the intended yield then over 1.5kg and it must have follow religiously the Good Agronomic Practices, not 0.7kg phosphorous subtract that tonne each gives.! germinated over 90%, Agronomic Practices which we only that they’re doing it 0.4kg magnesium usually give out. effectively.. Then we go to The the other thing is even Then consider irrigating micronutrients if each nutrient is needed by your crop sustainably for you Here is how you can address We will show you how Boron 130mg your crop if you happen to feed to expect that tonnage as well. the issue of 25 Tonnes per acre simple and straightforward Iron 170mg it at the wrong time your crop in onion production. morden day profit stories are And some more but our will end up with physiological written with onion farming farmers who skip soil testing disorders. There is no blanket however the matter of fact is usually over apply phosphorous declaration to this because a kg precision farming is science Then, for you to achieve the of onions has approximately with practice in agriculture and 25 tonne per acre, you must be 250k seeds.To achieve 25 not general rocket science! tonnes in 1 acre, you need to have 100% germination, Several farmers, usually ask 100% transition, 100% survival me on why I focused so much and 100% bulbing and hence on onion farming, this year harvesting and an average of 100gms per bulb.That’s why its Well it is because if you recommended to do about 1.5 can do it right from the start it kg of seeds per acre to deal with wont disappoint you compared all these shortcomings. Most with other crops importantly, plant population per unit area. Even though its also a venture which can make you Remember we need to adress get heart attack easily if you yield per plant and yield per are that farmer who always like unit area! copy-pasting things... In other words you need to We once said you might be as focused as a cockroach in aim to get 25 tonnes on an what ever profitable venture acre and still you get 3 tonnes you have chosen of which which is very possible and onion farming is no exception i have personally witnessed to! Infact the lucrative profits this.. usually what happens of onion farming is not is you just read from the a prophecy which awaits documentaries and went on to fulfillment, it’s a programme of try action, not kick and hope. http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Crops and horticulture  4 For classifieds that sell Give us a call Today How to treat tomato flowers that dry Or Send and fall without a fruit set Whatsapp message to What Causes Tomato Too much or Too Little Over Production +263 712 689 214 Flowers (blossoms) to Dry & Humidity Tomato plants that initially Fall off Without Fruit Set? produce a bountiful volume of Extremely dry or humid blossoms may not have enough Tomato (Lycopersicon air can interfere with the nutrients to support all of the esculentum) blossoms are fertilization of your tomato blossoms and the fruit they sensitive to the conditions in blossoms. Tomato blossoms that produce. In this case tomato their surrounding environment. are exposed to dry or humid air flower drop occurs in self- Tomato blossoms can drop from with a relative humidity below defense, in order to conserve your plants without developing 40 percent or above 70 percent nutrients needed to maintain fruit if they are not fertilized may not fertilize properly. Dry the rest of the plant and its properly or if they are exposed air causes pollen to stick to the remaining blossoms. to unusually high or low stigma of the blossoms while Inadequate Irrigation temperatures or humidity levels. humid air causes pollen to Tomato plants have However, tomato blossoms can clump. In both cases the pollen extensive root systems that also drop from your tomato can not properly fertilize the are sensitive to dry growing fruit if they are properly blossom, which causes it to dry conditions. Allowing the soil fertilized. Tomato blossoms can up and drop from the plant. around your tomatoes to dry fertilize themselves but need out can cause their blossoms assistance with transferring Too Much Fertilizer to dry out and drop from the pollen between the male and Overfertilizing your tomato vine before they can produce female organs contained in each plants with nitrogen can lead fruit. The roots of tomato plants flower. to blossom drop. Applying have a deep growth habit that nitrogen to your tomato plants can reach 3 to 5 feet. Uniformly Excessively High or Low causes their stems and leaves to watering your tomatoes so Temperature grow at the expense of flowers that the soil around the plant and fruit. Tomato plants that is uniformly moist to a depth High temperatures during are overfertilized with nitrogen of several feet helps promote the summer are a common often have thin, elongated a healthy root system and cause of tomato blossom drop. stems that are poorly suited ensures that your plant has the Tomato blossoms often drop to supporting the weight of moisture it needs to successfully from the vine without setting tomatoes. set fruit. fruit when the temperature It’s best to use a fertilizer Constantly check out other during the day exceeds 85 with high phosphorus but only plant ailments and send them degrees Fahrenheit for several moderate nitrogen when you to us as well consecutive days. During the set out your plants, and then to spring and fall cool nights with avoid fertilizing again until after temperatures below 55 degrees fruit set begins. Fahrenheit can also cause your blossoms to drop. Low temperatures prevent your tomato blossoms from developing properly and may cause them to produce sterile pollen. High temperatures can cause defects in tomato blossom pollen that prevent it from becoming fertilized and producing a fruit. The unfertilized blossoms eventually dry up and drop from the vine. Sharp temperature swings from daytime highs to nighttime lows can also cause tomato flower drop. http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Crops and horticulture  5 Getting started with butternut is a good plan for the future Afrostain Farmtech a high impact on market value. product it shows us how much Income and profit margin the product affordable to the Butternut is very vulnerable to was put in to the enterprise help us see if it is a viable consumer. To make profit in FIELD selection - choose a fruit fly - it must be controlled (expenditure/costs) compared enterprise. It is best to identify this market a farmer must aim field with well-drained, loamy before it lays eggs into the to the output (income). The the markets before production. for high yields (achieve the soils where members of the developing fruit. Chemicals for difference shows whether a full potential of the variety), butternut family (pumpkin, controlling Fruit fly, include profit was made or not. Speculative markets: The therefore choose what you grow melons cucumber, squash) have Dimethoate 40 EC, Malathion extent of production will carefully. Consult with the seed not been grown for at least 3 25 WP A record of rainfall dates and depend on customer demand. houses. seasons. amounts helps us to plan in This may have to be guessed Harvesting – Harvest fruit relation to type of crop, when (speculated) by the farmer. Private and public Prepare the land well to once it has reached the desired to plant and marketing. These markets are a danger with institutions: (companies, ensure good soil drainage. Good size and changed colour from most horticulture crops because schools/colleges, hospitals, fertilization is critical starting green to uniform orange/tonne Planting dates are also of their perishable nature. etc.) may also buy in bulk and with basal fertilizer (Compound (about 110-120 days from important to ensure crop has their prices may be slightly C) followed by top dressing planting depending on variety). adequate growing period of Wholesale markets: better depending on the seller’s (AN). required conditions (rain, Butternuts are sold in bulk negotiating skills. Sort and grade the fruit. temperatures, etc.) to wholesalers who in turn Butternut does not require Damaged fruit may be sliced will price them per kg. This The above markets, a lot of nitrogen (about 100 and dried. Pack into ventilated Input costs and stocks – all requires a wide range of packing depending on their sizes may kg/ha is adequate). Butternut sacks and store in a cool, dry crop requirements must be met material for the consumer. buy in smaller quantities respond well to organic matter, place until time for delivery. at the right time Prices for the farmer for tend to packaged in various size units. as a result farmers can use be low as wholesalers will add Payment terms may be arranged farmyard manure to fertlize Record keeping is key for Harvesting dates and yield a mark-up while still making with individuals based on thier butternut fields. any enterprise. After selling the levels are indicators of crop various terms, however try performance to make the delivery of the Foliar fertilizers and other product and collection of speciality fertilizers (Nutrifols, payment in a single trip each. growth promoters, etc.) on the market can enhance yield and Open markets: include quality. major markets like Mbare, Chikwanha, eMkambo, Timing - plant at the Bulawayo City Market, beginning of the warm wet Kudzanai and Kombai markets season. Use good quality seed in Gweru, roadside stalls, etc. from a reputable suppliers. The buyers from this market Pest and disease free seed is will buy in various packaging recommended to use. materials and sizes. These may fetch more money but it Management - keep fields may take more time to move free of weeds. Ensure good pest product. Many consumers and disease control to avoid prefer open markets where any damage to fruit as this has agricultural commodities are delivered straight from the farm. http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Agri-business  6 Afrostain Farmtech immediately after that. Check your water AVOIDING postharvest losses Intervention to reduce loss of stock in essentially comes down to fruits and vegetables in storage temperature. Make sure water knowing what techniques to isn’t too cold. When the employ, and what to evade quality before use. Be sure field, the water can become pathogen from one fruit to the produce comes from the field, throughout each link in the to evaluate the water quality contaminated and spread to other. You need to effectively it can vacuum cooler water chain. frequently, using tests strips to the other fruit. To sanitize, use kill them and make sure that in from the cutting point evaluate chlorine content etc. sodium hydrochloride, bleach, any lesions do not allow for and cause internal damage. The challenge, however, is hydrogen peroxide, peroxy the pathogens to enter. The For example, in some fruits putting that knowledge into If you have a tank you’re acetic acid, or ozone. All of packinghouse manager should using colder water will cause practice. using to dunk the produce these can be used for either know after how many loads internalization of soft-rot in, be sure to check the water conventional or organic crops. the water should be changed. bacteria into the fruit stem scar Matter of fact: The quality and change it frequently. This way you are making sure If there is a bad quality load, and subtending tissue. of a fruit or vegetable is never As time goes on and more you are not transferring the you’ll need to change the water better than at the time of produce is comes in from the As the fruit cools and harvest and it only deteriorates tissues contract, a vacuum is from that point on, until it created, causing water and eventually dies. any potentially pathogenic organisms suspended in the To overcome postharvest water to be drawn into micro- losses, growers, packers, wounds, pores, or other natural shippers, and retailers must openings in the fruit. win the race against time and employ strict measures to get Avoid injury. the produce from the farm When you have cuts — and to your fork — while or cracks in the fruit, it keeping it as fresh as possible. creates entry points for microorganisms. To avoid Here, I offer 6 pointers in this, make sure that knives are the postharvest process that if sharp, and that your crew is you employ, can help you avoid trained properly. The knives suffer major losses. must not only be sharp, but they should be clean. When Assess maturity. The first transporting from the field to step in the postharvest handling the packinghouse, make sure process is assessing maturity you don’t overload the truck, — you want to make sure you because the fruit at the bottom pick the crop at the appropriate can get compressed. stage, and you want to make Also, make sure to gently sure the pickers are trained on load the produce onto trucks. evaluating maturity. There are Do not toss or throw produce plenty of resources online that onto the truck. This will help provide maturity indices with you avoid bruising. specific information for each Keep your produce cool. crop detailing the appropriate Harvest in the morning harvesting stages some has when it is cool, and be sure to technical sheets with photos keep fruit out of direct sunlight. that illustrate various maturity After it’s been harvested, move stages. the product to the processing facility as soon as possible, Check your water quality and move the fruit into a Check your water source, cooler quickly after processing. and make sure that it’s excellent Procedures to increase the rate of cooling include forced air http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Agri-business7 An optimistic approach to the problem of funding Zimbabwe’s farmers In an economy where Advantages of farms as companies we will be without them rushing into expansion the main industry is registering our farms legitimizing our operations and exhausting their reserves in Farmers are still realizing agriculture expansion as companies. at the same time yielding to our order to avoid decaying. Most is vital. Expansion can government. This will increase farmers end up in desperate low margins. The goods being even be experienced When a farmer decides the income produced by our compromising situations because sold are only in their raw form, at individual level as to venture into agribusiness financial investments. they do not have the facilities to they are not processed which overflow into the rest of and expand, it will be wise to preserve their produce as they is why they fetch a low market the country register his farm as a company. Farmers are still experiencing sell it for profits. price. Zimbabwean farmers are This ensures that the product is the rotting and expiring of their still limited to production only, By Wadzanai Manyore traceable and when this happens produce because of lack of the Also storage facilities ensure they cannot process let alone the product will gain market proper facilities. It is time for the that production takes place all distribute. TO ADDRESS the current state share on the world market and Zimbabwean farmer to invest year round and our consumers of stagnancy in this sector, even locally marketing won’t in technology and machinery. never lack e.g. their favorite Failure to adapt to new Zimbabwean farmers need to be difficult. Most supermarkets On our production sites which vegetables so in a way storage technologies approach agriculture from a and the rest of the marketing are the farms there is need for facilities deal with gluts and business point of view. Farmers institutions prefer reputable infrastructural development. shortages on the market in an The failure to adapt to new create wealth by producing goods with well labeled Investing in the construction excellent manner. In addition technologies. In most cases a something of value from packaging to those that are just of storage rooms like cold to the above the country does farmer has something to save materials that are relatively random. rooms especially for those into away the concept of importing when they realize more profits. cheap. horticulture, dairy etc. when certain commodities are The marginal propensity to save Registering our farms as out of season. When certain only arises when a farmer gets A farmer is an entrepreneur companies attracts investors This gives them an allowance commodities are imported extra funds after consumption, whose products have a cash and increases our chances of of selling their goods properly because they are scarce locally, taxes, loan repayment and other value in the local market and expansion.Futhermore this is they usually go for a higher price personal expenditures. Like also in the international market what indeginisation is truly which will be unfavorable for I have mentioned earlier on, .By exporting agricultural about. The reason why raw the consumers not to mention it expansion improves a farmer’s produce the country gains products always fetch a low opposes the economic blue print remuneration which will wealth that can be used to market price. Because when Zimasset. eventually lead onto the need to finance all its development these are bought they still save. plans. However for the business need further processing and Moreover in expansion of exporting agricultural them getting a low price is very productions means have to be The issue of farmer commodities to be lucrative, justified. However this is the reliable and modern in order to desperation during the we need to consider expansion major drawback in farming and keep up with demands of the marketing season. A farmer seriously. the reason why most farmers ever rising population. There who has expanded usually is are falling to make a living out is need to invest in irrigation guaranteed more disposable From a business point of of agriculture let alone pay off equipment on our farms for all income, which makes it very view a farmer is an entrepreneur. their debts. By registering our year round production. Most convenient for him. He can A person who is innovative is time of the year vast amounts never be taken advantage of looking to do new things or of land are lying idle whilst the when it comes to marketing his existing things in a better way population both in urban areas produce. for profit and expansion. and on the farms languish in hunger and poverty. Farmers still He knows when to walk away Our farmers need to have fail to repay their debts whilst from a low unreasonable market the technical knowhow as they their biggest asset, land lies idle price because he is not desperate. embark on various activities of half of the year waiting for the That type of a farmer does not beneficiation and value addition. rains. have pressure exerted on him, the pressure to pay employees, Expansion in agribusiness Horticultural goods have a pay for operational costs e.g. entails an increase in the very high water content which electricity, water etc. He is not in economic and industrial activity makes them highly perishable a hurry to sell off his produce; on a farm. But how do we if not taken proper care of. And he is in a position to withhold increase the economic activity when they are sold almost bad his commodity until the market on a farm? they fetch a poor price which price is favourable for him. comes back to haunt the farmer. It is by simply intensifying So as we think of distribution Sadly most of the production so that we earn let’s talk of refrigerated vans Zimbabwean farmers are still more. We refrain from limiting to procure our produce fresh limited to production. They are our operations to production healthy for consumption. falling to process and distribute. only but also to processing. The core of agribusiness lies Expansion might look like a within the processing and This is where the concept big word and very intimidating, distribution. Processing can be in of industrialization comes in. but this is the new direction we the form of grading, packaging Through processing we venture are looking at as a sector to fulfill etc. Whilst distribution is when into grading, packaging etc the economic blue print of Zim one allocate their produce to its and do away with selling our asset. Whether it is appreciated respective destination. produce in their raw form. or not yet, the reality will always be constant. In every activity a choice This is also what is being exists, we can cling to the past referred to as value addition We need to work together as and forge on with traditional or beneficiation. Lastly after a country to eradicate poverty agricultural production methods producing and processing our and food insecurity. And our which have a high probability of products are we able to distribute role as farmers in this is to yielding less or we can embrace it. produce more, expand and the inevitability of change and create employment. To curb allow a brighter future to unfold Who is our target clientele, food insecurity from as low as before us. An era of food security are the goods we are producing the societies we live in, measures awaits us and we are the key meeting the demand, is the to produce more should be put players as farmers. Either way a level of the quality suiting all in place. Make full use of our new day is coming whether we our targeted markets in terms biggest resource land and the like it or not .The question is can of local consumption and idle water bodies all year round. you control it. exports. Is the product meeting the standards of a given target This is the new direction in Wadzanai Manyore is an market? agriculture which is to produce agricultural oriented character who for our huge storages, silos etc. writes in her own capacity. She This is the core of indigenization seeks to empower the Zimbabwean and black empowerment. For the farmers intellectually. For views production of any commodity and comments are mostly there is need for intensifying the appreciated she can be contacted activity in order to get more. on 0772 807 506 or email her on [email protected] Problems addressed by http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Agri-business  8 There’s always a good reason for investing in crop production There’s always a our food requirements. This has smallholder farmers only sanctions stopping us from harvesting. motive for investing in further worsened our foreign produce for their own dealing directly with certain All this increases your Crop production, but currency shortages. As such, it consumption or sell a bit of countries, lack of value addition you have to know what is worthwhile to venture into their produce to be able to also disqualifies us in certain chances of a bumper harvest to focus on food exports. The markets are survive. markets. and your chances to make more there in many countries. money. According to the United This is where crowd farming There is room for players Nations, Africa’s agribusiness In 2017, Zimbabwe exported comes in. It allows several in this industry to invest in Healthy Fast is expected to be worth $1 berries worth US$370 000 people to pool their resources value addition. Package your trillion by 2030. This is because and this grew to US$4 million together and invest in a farming goods nicely or process them by The words healthy and fast Africa is better positioned as in 2018. This shows massive project. drying, canning and so forth. foods are rarely used in one a conducive farming territory potential. The global market sentence. This is because fast than most continents. About for blueberries alone is worth This investment allows the This will help you fetch foods are generally considered 60% of unused arable land is in US$2.73 billion. Closer to farmer to increase productivity higher prices when you sell to be unhealthy, with either too Africa. home, an example would be by using modern equipment your produce whether locally much fat or too much sugar. Botswana. and machinery and employing or abroad. Although processing In addition, Africa has an qualified personnel. This is equipment can be costly, Nowadays, more and more abundant labour force and the They import 11 000 tonnes an opportunity that you can it’s possible to outsource the people are paying attention to climate supports agricultural of Bananas, 12 000 tonnes of exploit even if you are not a process. what they eat and this means activity. In Zimbabwe, most Oranges and 9 000 tonnes of qualified or experienced farmer. that if you are in this business of the food is produced by pepper. South Africa contributes Just come together with other Use Of Technology you should start focussing on smallholder farmers who use more than 90% of these like-minded individuals and healthy foods. old farming methods and have requirements. Again, this shows fund a project. As the effects of climate limited resources. that there is an opportunity in change continue to adversely Healthy salads, vegetable exporting food. Do not let the With more food production, affect our food production due burgers and other healthy If afforded more resources quality standards, registration this will reduce the country’s to droughts and erratic rainfall treats are all viable options. and machinery, they are likely processes and other trade overreliance on imported foods patterns, it is advisable to Provide your customers with to produce more. In this regulations deter you. and promote local products. leverage the use of technology. nutritional information so that article, we explore some of the This will help you increase your they are aware of what they are opportunities that exist in the Crowd Farming Value Addition harvest. Technology can help consuming. This is not to say food industry in the country. you forecast weather patterns, you should do away with the Food production remains Currently, most farmers sell ascertain your soil qualities and traditional chicken and chips, Exporting limited due to a lack of their food in a raw, unpackaged a whole lot more. but, make it healthier and more adequate resources, financial and unprocessed state. It is appealing to more customers. Exports are the lifeblood of and otherwise. This is because interesting that countries like You can also employ our economy. However, due to banks are reluctant to lend the Netherlands import certain irrigation techniques to ensure There are many other constrained local production, to farmers whose land tenure foods only to further export your crops have an adequate opportunities which you can we are forced to import some of rights are not clearly defined. them to others in the European water supply. Drones and take advantage of in the food Union. tractors can be used for spraying industry if you keep your ears Without funding, of chemicals, tilling as well as open. Always endeavour to be Apart from economic unique in whatever you do. http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain Afrostain Farmtech News Magazine is distributed free to our agriculture networks Text: Subscribe today, and join our growing news networks +263 712 689 214 facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Agri-business9 The challenge that Zimbabwean farmers face in repaying loans GUEST COLUMN When farmers fail to service and cash flows. This not only their loans as agreed, the increases your chance of getting WADZANAI MANYORE amount owed simply grows. a loan, but also helps you It does not disappear because better understand your own Over the past few we are ignoring it. When operations; and years, loan repayment applying for a loan there are has been the biggest several factors to take into 5. Aim to repay the loan, challenge for consideration: e.g. a short-term loan should Zimbabwean farmers be repaid within one season – 1. Submit your loan don’t let it spill into the next PROPERTIES and assets have progressive – it is not the loan experts at sabotaging ourselves application well before the as this attracts huge interest been seized in an effort by that is inadequate. There is a because we think so lowly of season starts. Never accept and eats into your next harvest lenders to recover money. price we pay for failing to fully the resources that we have. a loan when the season has before you have even planted. utilise inputs like loans. There is started because loan repayments Loan repayments should never The failure by farmers to need to constantly measure the When money is borrowed, will haunt you. Do not be postponed, but if need be repay loans has affected the use of these resources against repayment is composed of: compromise yourself and get this should be done with the national economy. We can the output level. That said, tempted to accept a late loan lender’s concurrence. choose to stand in the dark how are we failing to settle our 1. Interest – this is the when you can longer plant; and pretend that the loans loans? charge for borrowing money If a farmer adheres to these we get are insignificant or we calculated on an annual 2. Avoid using the loan basic borrowing principles, can stand in the light and We are mercenaries when or monthly basis; and 2. for other purposes. Borrowed prospects of failure are reduced. see the latent ability in every it comes to our own progress, Atonement – this is repayment capital should always be used input available for agricultural that is why. We have become of the principal amount of the for its intended purpose. Borrow Land is a working asset that purposes. loan. only when it is absolutely we need to exploit fully. We all necessary and never borrow to want to revive the economy It is the failure to exploit revive a failing project unless and make a living out of our this potential which is counter- reasons for failure have been agricultural operations, and thoroughly investigated; we must stop underestimating the potential inherent in our 3. Never falsify information working assets. as this may not only lead to Wadzanai Manyore holds a BSC prosecution by the lender but Agriculture and Natural Resources, may become a major cause for MBA, MSC Agribusiness, Diploma default; in Human Resources Management, Executive Certificate in Monitoring 4. Research technical and and Evaluation, Executive financial information about Certificate in Labor Law and the farming activities, e.g. Arbitration. She can be reached at profit and loss, balance sheet, [email protected] http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Precision Farming  10 Precision farming and management of heifer calves in dairy system Precision Feeding and Remove the calf from its total). Ensure milk is at 37ºC. Ensure milk is at 37ºC. Bar feeder fitted with a black management of Heifer Calves in mother. Milk Replacer can be used if In weeks 3 and 4, provide Milk Bar teat (3 litres a day an Intensive Dairy System desired/required. total). Ensure milk is at 37ºC. Milk the mother and Ad lib calf meal e.g. Quick Start As any good dairy farmer test colostrum quality using Provide calf with ad lib hay and ad lib hay. Provide ad lib Calf Grower, realises, calves are the future densimeter. If quality is above and calf meal e.g. Quick Start e.g. Calf Grower Meal, and ad of your herd, thus from the 1050, record information and Calf Meal. Weeks 5 to 8, provide ad lib lib hay. moment they are born they use it to feed calf or store in Calf Grower, e.g. Icefeed Calf need to have the absolute best refrigerator if other high quality Week 3 to 8 Grower Meal, and ad lib hay. Week 10 care possible, and this includes colostrum is already available. Feed the calf 3 litres of milk Feed the calf 1 litre of milk feeding them the right things at twice a day using a Milk Bar Week 9 twice a day using a Milk Bar the right time. Feed calf colostrum within feeder fitted with a black Milk Feed the calf 1.5 litres of feeder fitted with a black Milk one hour of birth using a Milk Bar teat (6 litres a day total). milk twice a day using a Milk Bar teat (2 litres a day total). Vitally, calves have to Bar colostrum feeder with a Ensure milk is at 37ºC. receive colostrum as soon as special soft teat. Ideally the calf Provide ad lib Calf Grower, they are born, otherwise they should drink 10% of its body e.g. Calf Grower Meal, and ad will not receive the antibodies weight in colostrum in the first lib hay. required to build up their feed. Colostrum should be at 37 Week 10 and 11 immune system and will most to 38 degrees Celsius! Wean: stop feeding milk and likely die or grow into small, provide ad lib calf grower and sickly heifers. If the calf is failing to drink hay. from the colostrum feeder, Week 11 to 4 months We recommend feeding a someone with experience in Feed calf grower and hay ad calf meal and hay from birth so tubing may feed it using a lib. that calves can start to develop gut feeder. This must be done 4 to 5.5 months their rumen early, resulting carefully and as a last resort, as Feed each weaner heifer 4kg in better growth rates and incorrect tubing may result in of calf grower and 4 kg of your healthier heifers. the death of the calf. total mixed ration (TMR) a day. 5.5 to 6 months Calf meal should contain The calf should receive Feed each weaner heifer 2 kg adequate fibre, starch and well- at least 6 litres of colostrum of calf grower and 8 kg of your balanced nutrients and vitamins within the first 12 hours of total mixed ration (TMR) a day for good development of the birth. Contact Afrostain Farmtech rumen and the achievement for further information and of desirable growth rates. Calf ☑️First 3 days after birth questions grower, fed from 3 months of Continue to feed calf age, should be well balanced colostrum using a milk bar and contain all the elements single feeder. A soft colostrum essential to maintain ideal teat can be used on the single growth rates to achieve feeder to get the calf used to maximum growth, rumen drinking from the teat. development and strength by 6 First 2 weeks (in M.A.R.S months of age. pen) Feed the calf 2.5 litres of Calves and weaners must milk twice a day using a Milk always have access to clean and Bar feeder fitted with a black fresh drinking water. Milk Bar teat (5 litres a day ☑️Immediately after birth http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Livestock  11 Nutrition is at the centre of How to maintain effective nutrition livestock farming and goats is no for your herd of goats exception to that. Famers should know that as the season is com- areas and mountainous areas Phosphorus fibre, infertility, poor health and animals, animals in their gesta- ing to the end supplimentary that need long distance travels Magnesium retarded growth and susceptibil- tion periods and lactational ones. feeding with the right nutrients everyday. Salt ity to internal parasites. is a priority and here are some Potassium Most forages contain ade- guidelines. The best assessment of energy These play an important role Selenium quate dietary protein content intake adequacy is proper body in metabolism. This is normally related required for maintenance but With every farm that’s opera- condition scoring or fat covering Iron with nutritional muscular dys- lactating, growing, sick and debil- tional and actively rearing goats the loin,brisket, inner thigh and Deficiency is seldom seen in trophy,retained placentas and itated animals may require diets and sheep for business, The three ribs. mature grazing goats but seen metritis, poor growth and weak fortified with legumes or protein major factors we consider putting in young kids at birth due to or premature kids, mastitis etc. supplements such as soya meal, much emphasis on include Breed, Using herd or individual med- their minimal stores at birth plus PROTEINS fish meal, cottonseed meal.Feed- Management, Nutrition. Today, ical records, a standardized body the dam’s low content of iron Proteins is required for most ing adequate to slightly higher we are going to go a little bit condition scoring chart (1-5) with in milk. normal functions of the body amounts of protein required more informative with the Nutri- 1 being extremely thin and 5 Iodine including maintenance, growth,- appears to aid in the control ( tion such that you know what’s being extremely obesse should be Deficiency results into an lactation, hair production and both resistance and resilience) right you have been doing and used to assess body fat changes enlarged thyroid, weak and small reproduction. Protein deficiency of internal nematode parasites. what’s right you haven’t been and make less subjective deci- kids at birth, poor reproductive in the diet depletes stores in the doing at your farms. sions with respect to the longterm abilities. blood, liver and muscles and pre- MINERALS dietary energy adequacy.If the Zinc dispose animals to a variety of A lot of these minerals are The following are the basics goats are parasite and disease-free Deficiency of zinc may result different serious and even fatal provided by forage but can be of proper nutrition. but still look unconditioned,then into parakeratosis,stiffness of ailments. supplemented with mineral they are usually fed on an energy joints, smaller testicles and low- Feed intake and dietary blocks and lake salt. 1. Water deficient diet and the reverse is ered libido. digestibility are reduced if die- VITAMINS Goats should have unlimited true for the obesse animals. NB. A greater amount if cal- tary crude protein is <6%, further Recommendations for goats access to free, clean, fresh, non- cium in the diet may relieve the compounding an energy- protein mineral requirements are even stagnant water.Goats are some of MINERALS body of zinc. deficiency;thus for maintaining more sparse than the mineral the most efficient users of water All goats and sheep require Copper of mature, healthy animals,the requirements. However, these are however, a 10% loss in the water a number of minerals for the This is associated with micro- diet should have a minimum of also required in trace elements. content of their bodies can prove proper functioning of body sys- cytic anaemia, poor production, 7% crude protein. All this information might to be fatal. They appear to be less tems with much emphasis on faded hair colour, poor quality You should also be aware that be replicated with special cases subject to high temperature stress Growth, reproduction and pro- dietary crude protein require- at different farms by your Vet than other domestic animals. duction as key components. ments are higher for growing considering the different needs Factors affecting water intake The following are very crucial of the animals. in goats include the following, minerals to the small ruminants lactation, environmental temper- ie; atures, amount of water in forage Calcium consumed, stage of production (growth, maintenance, lactation) level of exercises, and salt and mineral content of the pastures. Goats grazing on lush pas- tures may consume much more quantities of water than those grazing on dry hay. Neverthe- less, its important to provide free access to water to all goats no matter the stage of production, environmental temperatures, age, breed and purpose. ENERGY Energy limitations may arise from inadequate feed intake or poor quality feed. Excessive water content of feedstuffs may also become a limiting factor. Energy requirements are affected by Age, body size of the animal, stage of produc- tion(Growth,maintenance, lactation) body condition and concurrent medical conditions eg Parasitism, dental disease, arthritis etc. Energy requirements may also be affected by environment, hair growth, activity levels and relationship with other nutrient requirements. Increased temperature, sun- shine, humidity and wind veloc- ity may reduce energy require- ments. Goats exhibit a wide range of grazing activity ranging from Light activity for those under intensive management through moderate activity for those in semi arid lands to high activity for those in sparsely vegetated http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Honey Bees  12 Feeding honey bee colonies for maximum productivity Feeding honey bee colonies a supermarket or even another prefer a ratio of one part of to boil gently, remove the degree, the size of the container for maximum productivity beekeeper, may cause infection sugar to one part of water, container from the heat source. used to hold the syrup. It is prevent & preventing starvation in your hives. If you feed measured by weight.Others Pour in the sugar and stir the safer to over-feed a colony suitable honey to your bees, it prefer a dense syrup of two mixture until the sugar crystals than to skimp and possibly Honey bees store honey must be placed inside the hive. parts of sugar to one part of are dissolved. Never boil the cause the death of the colony. in the hive to provide food Never place honey in the open water. Generally, 1:1 syrup is mixture as the sugars may Some beginners have tried for winter and for other times outside the hive. Mealie meal used to supplement honey caramelise and may be partially tablespoons of syrup, but this when there are few or no nectar can be to feed need during stores, stimulate colonies to rear indigestible and toxic to bees. amount is much too small. secreting flowers available. winter. brood and encourage drawing of comb foundation particularly Always let the syrup cool An initial feed of around 1-3 When nectar is in short How and when to feed in spring. The stronger syrup to room temperature before litres could be tried. It is then supply or unavailable, bees bees is used to provide food when feeding it to bees. The cooled important to frequently check draw on their honey stores in honey stores in the hive are syrup can be given to hives the combs to see how much the hive. During these times, If sugar syrup or dry sugar low. Measuring the sugar and using one of the following four syrup has been stored. This will it is important to frequently is fed in the open, bees from water by weight or volume is methods. give a guide as to how often monitor the amount of honey nearby managed and feral alright because there is no need and how much syrup should be in the hive because when it has colonies will be attracted. You to be 100% exact about the For colonies with virtually given. Feeding can be stopped all gone, the colony will starve will end up feeding other bees sugar concentration. no stored honey and no when nectar becomes available. and need can abscond. as well as your own. Besides incoming nectar, the initial being a waste of money, feeding Heat the water in a feed will be largely determined Properly ripened syrup Starvation can be prevented in the open may cause robber container large enough to hold by the amount of brood, the should have a moisture content by moving bees to an area bee activity in the apiary and both the water and sugar. As size of the colony and to some of around 18%. Syrup that is where plants are yielding nectar possible interchange of bee soon as the water has begun not ripened adequately will or by feeding them white table disease pathogens. ferment and adversely affect sugar, or syrup made with white bees. Colonies with insufficient sugar. Never use raw, brown and Placement of sugar syrup or stores for winter should be dark brown sugar, and molasses dry sugar in hives is best done given enough syrup to boost as these may cause dysentery in towards evening to minimise their stores before the cold bees. Bee colonies can be kept any tendency for bees to rob weather of autumn sets in. This alive for long periods by feeding the hives that are fed. will enable the bees to fully white sugar. process the syrup. Making and feeding sugar It is extremely important syrup Interested in beekeeping? not to feed honey to bees unless Contact us for the production it is from your own disease free There are differing views training. hives. Feeding honey from an about the correct amount of unknown source, for example, sugar in syrup. Some beekeepers http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain For classifieds that sell Give us a call: Today: Or Send +263 712 689 214 facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Agri-technology  13 Translating a beautiful technology into agricultural development PRECISION farming technology failing to adopt climate- smart government of the Republic of The use of technology and come into play in piggery without dought an elegant agriculture. For instance, water Zimbabwe nutrition- related new techniques in agricultural currently encouraged by pig technology that is highly harvesting techniques need diseases and health problems projects implementation is industry board (PIB), dairy and effective in dealing with food to be employed, upgrading remain common in Zimbabwe. a fundamental reform to beef famers so as to upgrade security and food surplus. contour ridges, terracing, We seen a pastoral of events produce more yields, maximize livestock production in Precision farming technology conservation agriculture for the past five years by the our genetic potential and Zimbabwe through importing is the management concept to minimize water use and Zimbabwean government in reducing drudgery at work. semen of improved breeds. focusing on observation, improving efficiency. Crop fortifying food stuffs in order This helps to increase yield of Soil moisture PH meters has measurement, and responses rotation with inclusion of to get rid of the worrying cereals, horticultural crops and been procured through the to variability in crops, cover crops and leguminous health problems. Harvest livestock per unit area through Zimbabwean government fields and animals through crops helps to reduce the use plus and other seed houses adoption of new technology. support for farmers to improve innovation, modernization and of nitrogenous fertilizer which has also contributed to the For example, the use of drip the yield. optimization. By using precision negatively affect biodiversity in ending of this deficit although irrigation system in fruit technology, a farmer can the ecosystem. contributions from the whole production and horticulture Switch from primary to improve accuracy, reduce input of Zimbabweans is appreciated. reduces water loss, efficient is secondary farming costs, improve soil conditions Precision farming Malnutrition is still widespread 90- 95% and minimal costs of and reduce greenhouse gas technology through climate for example vitamin A and zinc. electricity as pumping costs Primary agriculture has emissions provides solutions to smart and sustainable From the general estimation are reduced. Solar equipment been practiced in Zimbabwe the weed, pests and soil fertility agriculture contributes to done by harvest plus shows that in irrigation improves yield for decades and there is need problems faced by farmers. sustenance as it makes efficient 1 in every 6 children have a and reduce costs as the power for Zimbabweans to upgrade use of land, labour, water, deficiency in vitamin A or Zinc. cuts in Zimbabwe becomes a our agricultural productivity Most farmers who have adopted fertilizers and pesticides. As part As a matter of fact, it is worth limiting factor. through processing. Although the technology incorporate of an integrated crop- livestock to fortify our feed especially to many famers have already it into an existing portfolio system, it fosters local nutrient the mother so as to pass the Currently there is 2-wheel made the change there is of strategies for gaining a cycling. Because it contains effect to their babies. tractor which is of economic need for farmers embarking livelihood for themselves and a legume, it adds nitrogen importants to small scale in processing to bring much their families. When it becomes to the soil, it enhances the For example, Onmar Peanut farmers. Combined of operation more needed foreign currency part of these livelihood capacity of the soil to sequester butter has been fundamental at also improves efficient and through exportation. For systems precision farming carbon. Finally, it improves Gwebi college Community as reducing timeliness costs as example, sweet potato technology often triggers a the health of both crops and the peanut butter was fortified planting, ploughing, herbicide processing into flour. set of interlinked, positive livestock, making them better with vitamin A from orange application is done at the same outcomes that are fundamental able to withstand climate maize syrup and zinc from NUA time. GPS system also enables Accurate geo- mapping to sustainable development. shocks and stresses that is 45 syrup bean. For maximum precision farming as scouting, with sensors and Here, I have outline five key set symbiotic relationship within production financial support is aerial spraying and livestock remote sensing of outcomes. precision farming technology a necessity protection is enabled. The environment. use of heat detector in dairy Geo-mapping is a Climate- smart, Mechanize and modernize enables precision farming. technology used to create sustainable Furthermore, precision for a better change Artificial insemination has maps of various soil and crop agriculture farming technology through conditions. For example, soil this outcome has a positive nutrient levels, soil type, soil In Zimbabwe the effect o plant and insect Ph. For farm planning geo development of agricultural biodiversity, and has been mapping has been fundamental system that are resilient to the shown to result in soil rich and realistic to achievement risks and shocks of long-term in beneficial microorganisms. of sustainable and efficient climate variability is essential Maintaining biodiversity utilization of land. For instance, to maintain food production is crucial to the health of land capability classification without compromising the stable and sustainable agro- map helps planning through future generation potential. ecosystems. The identification noticed vegetation and soil Climate change has caused of drought- tolerant intercrop types on the farm. Soil maps dramatic reduction in yield plants and development are created by sensors attached as there is falling water table of climate- smart precision to motors vehicles or from a and drying of dams since farming has strengthened the distance, by remote sensing 2014. Frequent drought and already formidable climate- drones, air planes, and satellites. poorly distributed rains have smart characteristics of the In conjunction with a GPS, contributed to poor yields technology. these sensors collect data from and animal starving. These the field to evaluate soil and troubleshooting problems are Better nutrition, better crop health and assign that greatly contributed to farmers health information to the particular field location. Despite the progress in the health service delivery by the http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Crops and horticulture 14 Integration of aquaculture into the future of hydroponics Aquaponics uses the best get to harvest both plants and need to be topped-off when it is Media-based Aquaponics 60 gallon system, and the of all the growing techniques, fish from your garden. Truly lost through transpiration from Media growing involves AquaBundance system utilizing the waste of one raise your entire meal in your the plants and evaporation. growing plants in inert planting element to benefit another backyard media such as expanded clay Nutrient Film Technique mimicking a natural ecosystem. There are a few primary pellets or shale. The media (NFT) NFT systems work by It’s a game changer Instead of using dirt or methods of aquaponic growing provides both the biological flowing nutrient-rich water toxic chemical solutions to widely in use today: filtration (conversion of through a narrow trough, such Waist-high aquaponic grow plants, aquaponics uses ammonia to nitrates) and as a PVC pipe. Plants are placed gardening eliminates weeds, highly nutritious fish effluent Deep water culture (DWC) mechanical filtration (removal in holes drilled in this pipe, and back strain, and small animal that contains all the required or raft based growing uses a of solid wastes) in the same the roots dangle freely in this access to your garden. nutrients for optimum plant foam raft that is floating in a system. Media-based systems stream of water. This method growth. Instead of discharging channel filled with fish effluent are great for home and hobby of growing works very well for Aquaponics relies on the water, aquaponics uses the water that has been filtered scale systems so you can grow plants that need little support, recycling of nutrient-rich water plants, naturally occurring to remove solid wastes. Plants a wide variety of crops. In such as strawberries (pictured) continuously. In aquaponics, bacteria, and the media in are placed in holes in the raft particular, large fruiting plants and other herbs. NFT is also there is no toxic run-off which they grow in to clean and the roots dangle freely in do really well in addition to a great way to utilize unused from either hydroponics or and purify the water, after the water. This method is most leafy greens, herbs and other space because they can be aquaculture. which it is returned to the fish appropriate for growing salad varieties. Examples of media- hung from ceilings above other tank. This water can be reused greens and other fast-growing, based systems are the Harmony growing areas. Aquaponics uses 1/10th indefinitely and will only relatively low-nutrient plants. It (pictured), the AquaUrban of the water of soil-based is also most commonly used in Vertical Aquaponics One gardening and even less larger commercial-scale systems. of the greatest aspects of water than hydroponics or aquaponics is its ability to recirculating aquaculture. grow an incredible amount of food in a very small area. No No harmful petrochemicals, method does this better than pesticides or herbicides can be vertical aquaponics. Plants are used. It’s a natural ecosystem. stacked on top of each other in tower systems such as the Gardening chores are AquaVertica. Water flows in cut down dramatically or through the top of the tower, eliminated. The aquaponics and flows through a wicking grower is able to focus on the material that the plants roots enjoyable tasks of feeding absorb water and nutrients the fish and tending to and from. The water then falls into harvesting the plants. a trough or directly into the fish tank. This form of agriculture Aquaponic systems can makes the most of each square be put anywhere, use them foot of space, and works outside, in a greenhouse, in very well with leafy greens, your basement, or in your strawberries, and other crops living room. By using grow- that do not require support to lighting, and space can become grow. a productive garden. Hydroponics and Aquaponic systems are Aquaculture is one of scalable. They can fit most the latest technologies in sizes and budgets, from small the Zimbabwean farming countertop herb systems to communities and behold backyard gardens, to full-scale it’s not only sustainable but farms, aquaponics can do it all. profitable. And the best part – You The future of agriculture http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Crops and horticulture  15 Strategies you can implement to control greenhouse temperatures By Afrostain Farmtech Naturally Ventilate the shading compound, shade cloth Greenhouse and leafy vines growing over the A GREENHOUSE structure top of the greenhouse. creates a controlled An effective way to environment to grow plants decrease the temperature in Cooling with use of for your garden. It involves an an overheated greenhouse is Water investment of time and money natural ventilation. Open all the to build and maintain. doors and windows to allow hot Cool off the interior of air to escape. Some greenhouses a greenhouse by manually One of the central features have hinged roofs that you can spraying it with water during of a greenhouse is temperature. prop open in high temperatures high temperatures. Alternatively, Greenhouses shelter plants from to prevent the accumulation of a misting or fogging system the cold, the wind, the rain, and hot air. Growers can ventilate removes heated air with water other weather conditions such greenhouses and hoop houses evaporation through the as snow, hail and lightning, with polyethylene walls and application of a fine spray of while providing light and roofs by rolling up the plastic water during high temperatures, warmth. sheeting to vent hot air and as well as keeping plants from provide air circulation. drying out. Misting and fogging Gathering heat through the systems use less energy than greenhouse windows and walls Ventilating with Fans louvers to draw air over and transpire and release moisture fans, but you must take care to is easy during the summer, through plants. Fans hooked into the air. control algae growth and avoid but challenging during cold Ventilating with fans does up to a thermostat provide a fungus and bacteria from too autumn, spring and winter double duty by pushing hot semi-automated cooling system. Making Use Of Shade much moisture. seasons. air out and drawing cooler air Fans with wet pads provide into the greenhouse. Location evaporative cooling and prevent Shade reduces temperatures The other thing is you Releasing excess heat of fans is important for the excessive drying of plant inside a greenhouse by reducing need to find the best designer during hot weather is another most efficient operation. Do material by keeping moisture in the amount of solar energy that of your greenhouses to ensure challenge, but there are various not locate them at ground the environment. A greenhouse enters through glass or plastic that you won’t find challenges methods to decrease greenhouse level or at the top of the roof, full of plants provides natural sheeting. Various forms of in controlling greenhouse temperatures. but approximately 5 to 6 evaporative cooling when plants greenhouse shade include liquid temperatures. feet high in front of vents or Farm Bryne Gibbs We stand to deliver the vegan Farm Bryne Gibbs Tel: +263 716 179 095 / 772 811 389 Email: [email protected] Lot 1 Forest Farm, Toronto, Mutare, Zimbabwe http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Idea of the month  16 The project with shortest pay back period Where would you need to start? Right Becoming a money magnate with several times a day. here with mushroom farming and all mushroom farming you need NB• Incomplete substrate colonisation • High nutrient content for the Pasteurisation aims at killing pests and •During incubation the mushroom delays fruiting. Construction of the mushroom house is mushrooms to grow diseases that can spoil development of mycelium grows to cover the whole Ensure that the substrate is well based on a simple basic design. •Good aeration–not too compact and the mushroom. substrate. colonised. not too loose •Place spawned bags at 24°C in the 1. The dimensions depend on the •Good water holding capacity – not too Immersion in boiling water is a cheap dark incubation room or cover the bags Harvesting number of substrate bags the grower dry and not too wet but efficient way of pasteurising the with black plastic in the mushroom Oyster mushrooms are harvested by can handle at any one time. •Wheat and rice straw are the most substrate. house. gently twisting the stalk and pulling out. 2.The walls are constructed out of farm commonly used substrates in Oyster 1.Prepare the substrate by chopping •Bags are ready for mushroom •Harvest from the opened ends first. bricks or poles and dagga or a wooden mushroom production. and shredding into small pieces. formation when the substrate appears •Make more long cuts or holes on the frame and thatch. Plastic or foam Steriliser 2.Soak the substrate in water overnight. white. central portion of the bag so that more sheets may be used to line the walls in The steriliser is required for pasteurising 3.Drain off the water and add the •Full colonisation occurs in about 14–40 mushrooms develop order to increase the relative humidity in the substrate to eliminate pests and supplements days. •Continue harvesting as long as the the production house. diseases. 4.Pack the substrate into a steriliser and •Transfer bags to the mushroom house substrate appears white. 3. A roof thatched with grass or banana The steriliser can be a huge pot, fill with water – hot water is the best or expose the bags by removing the •The bags can be removed from the leaves. container or metal drum to hold large 5.Heat and pasteurise by boiling for black plastic. house when the substrate becomes 4. Air vents and windows on the upper quantities of substrate for boiling in 1hour. colourless and soft to touch. side of walls are required for ventilation water at 100°C. 6.Transfer the substrate onto a clean Fruiting •A total weight of 10 to 20 kg of and lighting to initiate fruiting. Light Firewood or other local materials are plastic sheet and cool to about 40°C just Fruiting is the formation of the mushrooms can be harvested from 10 sufficient to read a newspaper when in used to provide fire for heating the at the stage when you can hold it but mushrooms in the mushroom house. kg of dry substrate. the house is adequate. steriliser. not get burnt. •Open the air vents or windows in the •The mushrooms will remain fresh for 3 5. Wooden shelves for holding the bags Other requirements Thermometer – 7.Pack the substrate into plastic bags mushroom house to provide light and to to 6 days when kept in the refrigerator or wooden racks for hanging spawned used to check temperatures taking care not to pack too tightly or initiate fruiting or in a cool area. They can also be dried substrate bags. Hygrometer – used for monitoring too loosely. •After one day open the bags by using local methods of sun drying. relative humidity 8.Add the spawn whilst packing the making long cuts or holes at the top and The mushroom house should provide Sprayer – for watering the substrate substrate. at the bottom of the bags using clean Problems in Mushroom Growing optimum conditions for fruiting. during fruiting sharp instruments. The common problems are: 1. Poor • Watering can or bucket – for watering Spawning yields Temperatures should be maintained at the floor in cooling the temperature and This is the process of planting the Mushrooms will form through thee 2. Pests and diseases i.e. fungi, 18 – 25°C and relative humidity should increasing the humidity mushroom. openings bacteria, insects and snail. be 80–90%. •Plastic bags – these are required for 1. Use about 0.5 kg or 300ml of spawn •Mushrooms will begin to form in 3 to 4 containing the substrate during the to plant 10 kg of substrate. days and will be ready for harvesting in The best remedy is to prevent these Incubation/Spawning room cultivation process. 2. Distribute the spawn evenly in the next 2 to 3 days. problems by taking precautions in •Bags should be 10 – 20kg capacity and alternating layers with the pasteurised •A temperature range of 20– 28°C and every stage of production. • Spawned substrate bags are kept in preferably transparent. This makes it substrate. relative humidity of 80–95% is required this room for the mushroom mycelium easy to check substrate colonisation 3. Tie the mouth of the bag soon after in the mushroom house. 1.Obtain high quality spawn from to grow. Growers may construct a and to detect contaminants. spawning •Some measures have to be taken reputable sources separate incubation room with shelves •String – required for tying the mouths •Substrate spawning is the most during the process to ensure 2.Observe strict hygienic practices to hold the bags. of bags and for hanging onto racks. delicate operation in mushroom development of good mushrooms: especially at substrate preparation and • Alternatively the spawned bags can production. 1.To provide adequate moisture, water spawning be covered with a black plastic in the Production of Oyster • It must be done in a clean environment the substrate daily taking care not to 3.Pasteurise the substrate well mushroom house. Mushroom production has four major free of air movements over water. 4.Sterilise all working instruments and •If using the mushroom house for steps. •Care should be taken not to 2.If temperatures rise to 30°C apply a equipment. Jik can be used for this incubation the air vents and the 1. Substrate preparation and contaminate the spawn itself and the light water mist to cool and to quicken purpose. windows should be closed to provide pasteurisation substrate too. fruiting. 5.Keep doors and window closed dark conditions required for spawning. 2.Spawning •Workers must operate under strict 3.The door and air vents or windows or use a wire mesh for covering all •Light is not required in the incubation 3.Incubation hygienic conditions. may be opened especially at night to openings to prevent insect from entering room. Temperatures should be about 4.Fruiting and Harvesting allow cool air to enter. the mushroom house 24°C Incubation 4. Maintain high relative humidity by 6.Keep the floors clean all the time Substrate Preparation and Pasteurisation applying water on the floors and walls 7.Do not touch any suspicious material Mushroom Spawn during harvesting •Spawn refereed to, as the mushroom 8.Throw used substrate a long distance seed is mushroom mycelium growing on away from the mushroom house. sorghum, wheat or barley. It is used to seed substrate. Let us know if you would like to start •High quality spawn should be obtained your own mushroom farming business. from reputable spawn laboratories. • Good spawn is the key to successful Contact AfroStain Farmtech TODAY mushroom production. Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus sajor caju are the strains available locally for Oyster Mushroom production. Substrates or Substrate is the agricultural waste on which the mushroom grows. Oyster mushroom can be grown on several agricultural wastes; •Finely chopped rice or wheat straw •Shredded maize cobs •Cotton waste •Finely chopped maize stalks •Sawdust from broad leaved trees like Banana leaves The type to use depends on availability and accessibility. Any of these substrates may be supplemented with rice or wheat bran at 15–20% and lime at 1–2%. Any substrate used must be pasteurised to eliminate contaminants or undesirable organisms. • A good substrate has the following properties; •Easy availability http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

lmport & Export  17 Understanding the import and export regulations of Zimbabwe Afrostain Farmtech The importer should the goods are ready for dispatch register to be connected to the For shipment, farmers make sure that they made to the customer. ‘ASYCUDA World’ System to should book shipping space All those persons or firms all of the correct import enable themselves to submit in advance if required by who wish to start exporting or export documents that At the same time the seller their documents electronically. the Incoterm (normally by or importing from Zimbabwe are required to get clear should start arranging the However, “Agent’s Bond Fees” contracting shipping agent/ can do so by following related the customs formalities, necessary documentation to are paid by such a company company). In case of export streamline procedures set by satisfy all compliance and ensure smooth passage of the of goods by air, rail and road; Government authorities. But regulations. The import or goods across the borders. The following are examples advance arrangements should according to products nature, export documents required of products that require export also be made with relevant certain goods for export may in Zimbabwe depends up on The exporter should prepare permits: authorities. be subject to an authorization, the regular trade policy of a commercial invoice as well license, rules of quality or Zimbabwe Government, the as a packing list and apply for • Animal fats Exporters should pack packaging, standardization or nature of goods importing, exchange control approval • Beef, veal, Pork, dressed agricultural produces in special formalities. specific goods. (CD1 Form) through his/her poultry (health certificate also suitable containers enclosing commercial/merchant bank. required) the packing list in the case. A registered trade with Delays in clearance • Cotton The packing list describes the concerned license as per the For a new exporter the • Cut flowers (phytosanitary contents of the case together business is must for exporting Any delay in filing or following additional documents certificate also required) with quantity, brand, weight and importing of commercial absence of documents can are required by the bank or • Dairy products and all relevant details. It products from and into delay the clearance process and Corporate bodies: Form CR 14, • Fresh vegetables and fruits enables the customer to check Zimbabwe. Some agricultural thereby importer or exporter Certificate of Incorporation; (phytosanitary certificate also that all the dispatch has been produce require export licence supposed incur demurrage Physical and postal address, required) receivedLabel clearly on, at least because of their nature and on the imported cargo but Partnership Agreement; • Maize and maize products two sides of the package (case) strategic value to the country. also stand to loose business Personal Identification • Oil seeds for easy identification, storage, Agricultural commodities can opportunities. particulars. Individuals: • Pedigree livestock (health delivery and shipping marks; be directly registered for export Personal identification certificate also required) through the ministry of lands Proper paper work and particulars; Residential/Contact • Seed (phytosanitary Exporters should issue however in some cases where documentation are essential address. certificate also required) precise shipping instructions the product is of health concern for the efficient execution of • Small grains (as per the contract) to the can pass through ministry of an export order. Forms should ZIMRA will then issue the Export permits are clearing/forwarding agent. The health be completed meticulously and Bill of Entry Form 21, which obtainable from Import/ shipping instructions contain procedures followed correctly is the authorisation for the Export Permit Office, Ministry information that is used to The Customs and Excise to avoid misunderstanding and export consignment to leave of Lands, Agriculture and prepare bills of lading and on Department of the Zimbabwe delays that are costly. the country.Forwarding and Rural Resettlement in Harare. how the cargo is to be handled Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Shipping agents are registered Phytosanitary certificates through the ports and shipped. under the ministry of For the documentation, with ZIMRA’s ‘ASYCUDA World’ are obtainable from the Finance who is assigned with upon receipt and acceptance system and the submission Plant Protection Unit, which Get customs clearance and implementation of all the of a bona fide export order it is is done electronically. Where falls under the Ministry of arrange collection of cargo decrees issued by the country’s the duty of the seller (exporter) a company has an in-house Agriculture, Mechanisation and for dispatch to customer ministries and governmental to organise his business so that clearing system, they must Irrigation Development, located or port of shipment; After institutions which concerned, in Mazowe. shipment obtain the Bill/ collecting revenue, controls Health Certificates are Road consignment note/Rail illegal trade, smuggling and obtainable from the Ministry consignment note of lading/ facilitating of genuine trade. of Health and Child Care. airway Bill from carrier and Export permits for domestic send it together with other As a result farmers should animals are obtainable from relevant documents (e.g. not breach this regulation the Department of Veterinary Certificates of Origin, packing because they may be sued and Services in Harare. NB: An lists, etc.) to customer or even banned from importing Export permit issued by the present to the bank to facilitate or exporting. Failure to comply Ministry of Lands, Agriculture smooth clearance of goods at might result in destruction of and Rural Resettlement must the point of destination.The agricultural produce to prevent accompany all documents for transport document is issued pests and diseases into the submission to the ZIMRA. after the dispatch of the goods country. and it must bear the date of shipment. http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Opinion and analysis  18 The whisper of the communal farmers The Whisper of Gregor Mendel’s study of to breed disease resistance into Communal farmers.. genetics. In commercial seed a hybrid than into an open- What happened to the production, hybrids come pollinated seed. It goes without Hickory king maize from the careful and deliberate saying that this is desirable variety? crossing of two different parent for home gardeners and varieties, each with traits commercial growers alike. “You know, my son, desired for the offspring. Seed eh-This field you see••• We from a hybrid variety can be Uniformity used to harvest enough to saved, but will not be true to Hybrid seeds offer unequaled feed the family and sell. I type. uniformity. Commercial send my children to school growers in particular desire from earnings from this field I think both open-pollinated consistency whenever possible. •••But now see! We can’t get and hybrid varieties deserve a Hybrid seeds produce uniform enough even to just feed me seat at the table. As discussed plants and uniform fruits. This and my wife and the grand below, each has its benefits: can make cultivation more child ••• Despite the fact that efficient as well as provide we are using more fertilizer The arguments in favor of reliability in marketing the end now and the seed they tell us is Open-Pollinated Varieties product. improved••• Save your seed Flavor Varieties Yield and vigor Should we get back to our traditional ways of farming The most obvious benefit Few can ignore the superior There’s a reason that hybrid “hybrid vigor.” This term should farmers go for hybrid to using open-pollinated flavor of many open-pollinated seeds are a part of what we still was coined by Charles Darwin varieties or the Open pollinated seeds is the option to produce varieties. Many breeders call “modern plant breeding” in the 1800s to describe the varieties are good? genetically one’s own seed supply. Some who specialize in creating despite their long agricultural increase in overall vitality “true to type.” crops, including beans, peas, hybrid varieties for large-scale history. Hybrid seeds are one of found in the offspring of tomatoes, and lettuce, are self- commercial growers tend to the most significant advances two parent lines of differing Beginning in the early pollinating, and thus do not focus on qualities other than in seed production on record. genetics. While not all crops 1900s, plant breeders worked to even require much isolation for flavor, such as storage ability, The ability to combine the best demonstrate the effects of develop new open-pollinated seed saving. Furthermore, by uniformity, and characteristics traits of separate varieties into hybrid vigor, for those that varieties, using techniques selecting the best plants from more pertinent to processing. one was widely considered the do, the benefits to the grower to create a more pure, and which to save seed, anyone can Suffice it to say that since the Holy Grail of plant genetics. can be significant. Yields can thus uniform, genetic line. adapt specific variety strains to onset of modern hybrid plant double, growth rates increase, heirloom varieties are named their region or microclimate. breeding, flavor has not been a Disease Resistance seeds emerge more vigorously, open-pollinated strains which priority. and plants can perform better either pre-date or are unaltered Less costly Most importantly, hybrid in adverse climatic conditions by the earliest open-pollinated The Expected benefits seeds offer superior disease such as ours. breeding work. For a number of reasons, of Growing Hybrid resistance. This is because, in open-pollinated seeds are the most basic terms, it is easier Share with us what you If open-pollinated varieties invariably less expensive than think in our social media are allowed to cross within the hybrid varieties. For every platforms same species, the resulting seed hybrid, there are actually two will be a hybrid. The modern distinct lines of genetics that What do you think about era of plant breeding started must be maintained, not to this indispensable topic ? Let us when biologists rediscovered mention the careful task of know in the comments section production, which can get quite of our social media costly. http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Dear Farmer  19 If you are ready to think BIG, and to act BIG: time to go for it Dear Farmer, you will alway have some one use the resource given for free, i you don’t need money to start, I can do more productive blame why you don’t have that believe God Gave you that brain you need money to grow and work with my bicycle than what There’s a lot of negativity money and goes on just like for a purpose. expand. many people can do with their going around. We want to talk that. vehicles, it a little resources but about something positive right Unless you say you don’t If that’s true that you need Ii can do a lot.. now but if you’re not ready to To me will power is real have ask Him He can give you money to start a business change your life and go bigger, power. one. For He promised that if you We started the farm with a this isn’t for you. ask you will be given. Tell me one successful 0.5hp with two panels and what Many of us can not do entrepreneur just one who we do with this pump is more Did you know that right things because we give excuse You don’t need money started with freely given, loan than what people with bigger now on average you can not of not having resources, we fail to start, you need money and that business stands pumps can do. only only spend time on social to do anything because we have money to grow till date just one. The point is media without adding value come to believe that you can simple, one reason why we find We don’t complain that we to your self whilst you can do only do something with what When you ask be like ourselves in this trap is because don’t have this and that, we say much more in improving your you don’t have. How true can Solomon the wisest who ever we learn from failures, they tell guys how shall we use this that agribusiness skills level? that be how can you drive a lived. He asked for wisdom not us that you need money to do we have effectively. We don’t vehicle you don’t have it’s all riches. this and that, and that money look at what isn’t ours but what After-all, right now, more dreaming work with what you is not yours. How can you be is ours. We don’t even wish than ever before, people are have. You see dear friends it’s not making plans of some ones that we were like so and so, we looking for opportunities, about what we don’t have it’s money. are just ourselves unique and people are looking for hope, I have to come learn that we about what we have. I will give different. And we believe in our people are looking for YOU! can do a lot with little resources you examples soon of what I Real successful people start abilities. at hand put to use. Actually it’s mean. from scratch, so should start. If you ARE ready to think not wise to belittle the little In short my point is that you big, Do big and go big, this offer resources you have. I am sure Many don’t start anything In short my point is that can do a lot with the little you IS for you. you remember in the Bible that because they say we don’t have we should learn to work with have . Don’t wait for what you foolish servant who buried that capital, and they expect the the little we have to get bigger don’t to get started start now Learn to work with limited one talent given him. And I government, some angel from things we want, start small think and you will see how things resources as you start and be as know very well that there is no heaven or some one to give big. will be unfolding. This was a bit focused as you can and not on one created in the image of God the money. Get the hard truth straight but I think it will help the wrong things who doesn’t have even a single Here a few example I have some. resource. experienced at the farm. I don’t know anything I can fail to do if I want it as long I think that theory that we as I’m willing. There are many came from money has a role extraordinary things we can to play in the way we view life, do as long as we want to do we don’t believe that we are them. Excuse is the skill of Lazy, children of the King if Kings undetermined and unsuccessful who owns everything. people. If you find yourself always giving excuse just know Resources are everywhere that you are going nowhere very even your brain is a resource simple. Ask me some one who unless it’s not functioning won’t make it life I will show and no one would want to something who always makes be told that your brain isn’t excuses even valid ones for functioning, if your brain is example, I don’t have money, working then you have one and if you don’t have money resource, I hope you won’t be that foolish servant who didn’t www.zimbabwedigitalnews.com T SUNDAYEHEXPRESS News and current affairs: Whatsapp +27 83 476 7918 http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020

Motivation and inspiration  20 For classifieds that sell Give us a call Today The future of Or Send Zimbabwe’s agriculture Whatsapp message to lies with the youth +263 712 689 214 By Wenceslous their entry into off-farm To the promoters Nyamupfukudza activities. ☑️ Promote agricultural technologies through targeted, AFRICA is in the height of To date, young people need audience-specific channels a crisis and an opportunity. a resourced space where they ☑️ Work with local Africa’s population stands at 1,2 can share ideas and access ambassadors to promote the billion people and over 60% are mentorship. innovations below the age of 25. ☑️ Identify requisite Young people have wraparound skills and provide Yet most African youths are unaddressed gaps in the skills training not employed, and according required to operate agricultural ☑️ Address negative to the World Bank by 2035, 350 technologies. perceptions about young million new jobs will be needed. women’s abilities. Both adopters and innovators To the financial institutions Africa’s population is growing are constrained by inadequate and funders faster than jobs are created. accessible financial products to ☑️ To build seed capital invest specifically in agricultural products and competitive It turns out to be true technologies — with respect to incubation grants that Zimbabwe is in the right both ideation and uptake. ☑️ To familiarize youth path to food surplus with the resource mobilization strategies Young men and Women Taking From the above findings it is and let creative solutions Agribusiness with a BANG. clear that a number of solutions modelled by youth drive new hinge on the holistic approach approaches to financing This week I got the priviledge by various stakeholders. The With all these in place, I of being the guest speaker on the following recommendations are have no doubt In my mind Kurima Fields Inaugural Capacity made: that we are in the correct building Workshop in Bindura path to addressing SDGs and and I can openly admit that the To the government simultaneously doing justice to word has reached out. Invest in agricultural our generations innovation hubs and incubation #AfrostainFarmtech We are waiting for the signal centres and these centres should #Strengthening Outreach for and will implement! ☑️ Provide access to online and #profitable #farming offline resources #helping Agricultural technologies ☑️ Act as the access point for #farminggenerations should be tailored to optimize innovators to build skills and use #capacitybuilding opportunities for young people tools — particularly rural young ☑️ Are staffed with trained people — to maximize their experts to offer technical support on-farm activities and facilitate and motivate innovators, and ☑️ Offer connections for innovators to idea-share Afrostain Farmtech News Magazine is distributed free to our networks Text: Subscribe today, and join our information and news media networks +263 712 689 214 http://www.afrostain.co.zw/ twitter @afrostain facebook: www.facebook.com/afrostain August 2020