Farming today demands more than just skill with soil and livestock. To thrive in the modern agricultural landscape, farmers need to run their operations as efficient, profitable, and sustainable farm businesses. This requires a different set of tools – the farm business tools that support planning, finances, marketing, and management off the field.

Harare, Zimbabwe – 15 May 2025 – Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape is preparing for a significant event: the 2nd Agriculture Research and Extension Symposium, scheduled to take place from May 28th to 30th, 2025, at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Society conference halls in Harare. This crucial gathering is a collaborative initiative by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, specifically its Agricultural Research, Innovation and Specialist Services (ARISS) directorate, alongside the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS).

By Rawlings Kofi

The air at the SeedCo Vegetables demonstration fields was buzzing on May 8, 2025. It wasn't just another sunny day; it was a vibrant gathering of farmers, agronomists, and industry partners, all united by the shared goal of cultivating success – even in challenging times. The occasion? The much-anticipated SeedCo Vegetable Field Day, an event designed to take learning out of the classroom and into the soil.

by Rawlings Kofi

The soil beneath your feet, the seeds you sow, the livestock you rear – this isn't just land or produce; it's your lifeblood. For every farmer, regardless of location or scale, there's one golden rule that underpins success and sustainability: Never joke with your source of income.

Zimbabwe's agricultural sector, the backbone of our economy and livelihoods, faces an increasing barrage of threats. Climate change is altering ecosystems, creating favourable conditions for new pests and diseases, while burgeoning global trade routes inadvertently offer additional pathways for their introduction. The recent emergence of devastating invaders like the Fall Armyworm (FAW) and the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) serves as a stark reminder of our vulnerability. In this challenging landscape, the Plant Quarantine Services Institute (PQSI) stands as a crucial line of defence.

Broccoli belongs to a large group of plants known as Cole Crops, a term derived from the Latin word caulis, meaning "stem" or "stalk." While Cole crops are technically biennials, they are typically grown as annuals. In recent years, broccoli has gained significant popularity, particularly among health-conscious middle-class consumers. Major retailers now stock large quantities of broccoli due to increasing demand, especially from individuals managing chronic and non-chronic ailments such as ulcers, bowel disorders, and other health conditions.

Butternut (Cucurbita moschata) is a nutritious and versatile member of the cucurbit family, widely cultivated for its sweet, flavorful fruit. Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, butternut is a valuable addition to diets and is commonly used in soups, stews, and rice dishes. Due to its long shelf life, it also serves as an excellent cash crop for smallholder and commercial farmers alike.

The Zimbabwe-China Avocado and Macadamia Buyers’ Engagement, a landmark trade event organized by ZimTrade, officially commenced today in Chipinge, marking a significant step in strengthening economic collaboration between the two nations. Running from April 8 to 10, 2025, the event brings together Zimbabwean producers and Chinese buyers to explore new export opportunities and solidify trade relations in the agricultural sector.

Organic matter is a fundamental component of healthy soil, consisting of decomposed plant and animal residues, soil microorganisms, and humus. It plays a critical role in maintaining soil fertility, structure, and biological activity. For farmers, understanding and managing organic matter can significantly improve crop productivity, enhance soil resilience, and reduce dependency on synthetic inputs. This article explores the importance of organic matter, its impact on crop production, and best practices for maintaining optimal soil organic content.

by Rawlings Kofi | Harare, April 3, 2025 – The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has officially released the approved producer prices for the 2024/25 summer cropping season, along with the incentive planning price for winter wheat in 2025.

by Rawlings Kofi | Farming is not for the faint of heart. It’s unpredictable—one season, you’re celebrating a bumper harvest, and the next, you’re scrambling to recover from drought, pests, or market fluctuations. The reality is that farming alone often doesn’t provide a steady, year-round income. So, how do you ensure that your farm remains financially strong, no matter the season? The answer lies in diversification.

by Rawlings Kofi | Foliar fertilizers are liquid nutrient solutions applied directly to plant leaves, allowing plants to absorb essential nutrients through their foliage. Unlike traditional soil fertilizers, which deliver nutrients through the root system, foliar fertilizers provide a more immediate nutrient boost, addressing deficiencies quickly and efficiently. They are particularly useful in situations where soil conditions limit nutrient availability, such as compacted soils, pH imbalances, or drought conditions.

By Rawlings Kofi - Farming is more than just a business; for many, it is a way of life, a passion, and a legacy passed down through generations. However, some farmers continue investing time and resources into projects that are no longer profitable, holding onto them despite mounting losses. Why does this happen, and how can farmers break free from unprofitable ventures while ensuring long-term success?

Paprika is a high-value spice crop that presents a lucrative opportunity for farmers. With the right agronomic practices, farmers can achieve impressive yields while tapping into the growing global demand for high-quality dried paprika. This guide provides essential insights into paprika production, from land preparation to harvesting, ensuring maximum productivity and profitability.

Potatoes are a high-value crop, and achieving optimal yields requires careful planning and management. Here’s a concise guide to potato production for a 1-hectare plot:

African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) Workshop

Harare, Zimbabwe – Imagine walking through fields where crops once struggled to survive, now flourishing under efficient irrigation. Picture villages where women no longer trek kilometers for water but manage thriving gardens fed by solar-powered pumps. This isn’t a hopeful vision—it’s today’s reality in some communities in Zimbabwe, where innovative water solutions are changing lives.

Harare, Zimbabwe – The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS), is excited to announce the 2nd Agriculture Research and Extension Symposium, scheduled for 28-30 May 2025. Researchers, academics, extensionists, and private sector players are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations as well as technology exhibitions.

By Rawlings Kofi | Agribusiness Media

Rattray Arnold Research Station, Zimbabwe – 6 March 2025 – Seed Co, one of Africa’s leading seed companies, marked its 85th anniversary with a grand Field Day event at the Rattray Arnold Research Station (RARS) on 6 March 2025. The event, attended by government officials, farmers, and industry stakeholders, showcased the company’s latest innovations in seed technology and celebrated its enduring contribution to agricultural development in Zimbabwe and across the African continent.

Onion farming is a cornerstone of agriculture, offering both nutritional benefits and economic opportunities. This article delves into the key aspects of onion production, drawing from Syngenta’s comprehensive training program. We’ll explore agronomic practices, pest management, and innovative technologies to help farmers optimize yields and profitability.

Beekeeping, or apiculture, is a sustainable and lucrative agricultural venture that focuses on the production of honey and bee wax. With rising demand for natural products, this business offers significant revenue potential while contributing to environmental conservation through pollination. This article provides a detailed overview of starting a beekeeping enterprise, including costs, processes, market insights, and risks.