Lorraine Phiri

UNSCRUPULOUS cattle buyers have descended on farmers around Lupane taking advantage of their desperation to buy cattle at give away prices.

Small scale farmers who are members of the Commercial Sugarcane Association of Zimbabwe last year produced at least 42 357 tonnes of raw sugar, a 40 percent increase from 2011, an official said.

The country’s second largest farmer union, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers (ZCFU), is failing to pay its employees as well as financing its operations due to dwindling donor support, it has been learnt.

Edmore Mhangami

THE adage, it never rains but pours, aptly describes the predicament of Gokwe cotton farmers.

Midlands Reporter

FRESH outbreaks of the dreaded armyworm which destroys crops and pastures have been reported in the Midlands province.

Beitbridge Reporter

MATABELELAND South farmers are facing an imminent drought as most of them have drastically reduced the hectarage under crops due to the late rains.

Most of the seven administrative districts in the province require between 400 and 500mm of rain for a successful farming season but indications are that they will receive far less this season.

The districts are Beitbridge, Bulilima, Gwanda, Insiza, Matobo, Mangwe and Umzingwane.

Midlands Bureau Chief

THE armyworm menace is worsening in all parts of the Midlands amid revelations that some chiefs in Shurugwi are now planning on conducting rituals to curb the problem.

At least 77 910 hectares have been planted under tobacco this year, a 38 percent increase from 56 377 hectares last season, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chief executive officer Dr Andrew Matibiri has said.

Lorraine Phiri

DELAYED rains in Matabeleland have led to an increased demand for stockfeeds in Bulawayo, as farmers face a shortage of pastures to feed their livestock.

Kamangeni Phiri

SOME parts of Midlands have been invaded by the dreaded armyworm, which destroys crops and pastures, the Provincial Agritex Officer, Mr Peter Chamisa has said.

Beitbridge Reporter

AT least 76 families in Tongwe area of Beitbridge District are expecting a bumper harvest from their irrigated maize crop.