New $1 Million Fertiliser Plant Opens In Zimbabwe, To Reduce Imports Reliance

News in Brief: - A new $1 million fertiliser plant in Zimbabwe is expected to significantly reduce reliance on imports and boost food security. - The Fertop Agriculture plant, capable of producing nearly 1 million tonnes of fertiliser annually, will cater to various agricultural needs in the country. Zimbabwe's agricultural sector has received a significant boost with the inauguration of a new fertiliser plant in Norton. The $1 million investment by Heliconvest Investment Private Limited and Moreharvest Compound, is known as the Fertop Agriculture plant. It is expected to produce close to 1 million tonnes of fertiliser annually, according to a news report. This development comes after Zimbabwe grappled with substantial fertiliser import costs, exceeding $800 million over the past five years. The Fertop Agriculture plant is anticipated to significantly reduce reliance on fertiliser imports while contributing to the country's food security efforts. Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, emphasised the plant's timeliness as the country enters the winter cropping season. He also lauded the facility’s use of some local raw materials, as well as the attendant consequence of reducing the production cost on farmers. Professor Jiri gave assurance of cheaper production of food, which he said is key for food security, everywhere. Also, Minister of State, Marian Chombo, echoed his colleague's sentiment, highlighting the potential for the plant to enhance agricultural productivity in Mashonaland West Province. The Fertop Agriculture plant will manufacture a range of fertilisers and compound blends like Urea AN and Calcium Nitrate. The products will cater to the diverse needs of Zimbabwean farmers.