Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
ZIMBABWE’S drive to improve agricultural productivity is gaining momentum, with increased investment in agricultural inputs helping to bridge supply gaps while advancing rural industrialisation.
In Glendale, Mazowe District, Panvert Mining Company has established a lime processing plant to meet the growing demand for agricultural lime, a key input used to reduce soil acidity and improve crop yields.
The investment has also created employment, with 144 people currently working at the facility.
Panvert Mining Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kudzai Mugwira said the company is expanding production capacity while diversifying its operations.
“Currently, we are producing 160 tonnes per day using the ball mills, and we also have a microniser producing the same output. Very soon, we will introduce a granulator. In the near future, we are also planning to produce hydrated lime using a plant we are sourcing from China with a capacity of 160 tonnes. We are also considering establishing a tile adhesive manufacturing plant,” he said.
Special Adviser to the President responsible for Monitoring the Implementation of Government Programmes, Dr Joram Gumbo toured the facility and said local production of agricultural inputs is critical to strengthening food security.
“This is a company owned by indigenous Zimbabweans who have embraced His Excellency’s vision that Zimbabweans should lead the development of their own country. They are producing agricultural lime, contributing to food security and improving people’s livelihoods as we move towards Vision 2030. They have also created employment through the production of agricultural lime and other products,” he said.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo said the investment supports the Government’s rural industrialisation agenda.
“Panvert Mining is one of its kind in Mashonaland Central Province, and it demonstrates our commitment to the President’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind through rural industrialisation. The company is addressing the shortage of agricultural lime, creating employment and contributing to the province’s economic growth and the country’s Gross Domestic Product,” he said.
The processing plant is expected to strengthen agricultural value chains, improve access to essential farming inputs and support food security in line with Zimbabwe’s national development objectives.
