By Conrad Mwanawashe
WELL done, TSL/Agricura, on this landmark achievement for the agriculture sector and a testament to the commitment to animal welfare and food security in Zimbabwe.
This is how Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Davis Marapira, summed up a colourful veterinary pharmaceutical production plant launch event, Wednesday.
“The establishment of this facility marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the health and productivity of our livestock, which form the backbone of our agricultural economy. This state-of-the-art manufacturing plant will provide our farmers with access to critical veterinary medicines, ensuring that our animals are healthy, resilient, and capable of contributing to the prosperity of our nation,” said Marapira.
The world class Animal Health plant, described by TSL Limited Zimbabwe Group CEO, Derek Odoteye as cutting-edge technology, has a capacity to produce 4,500 litres per week and will provide numerous benefits to farmers, including but not limited to affordable products (competitive pricing due to local production), increased accessibility due to reduced transport cost, technical support:
On-site expertise and guidance, effective parasite control, reduced livestock mortality rates, improved animal health and productivity, local economic growth and improved food security which is line with other livestock programmes which are being done by the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries.
“This allows our customers to focus on their core business while confident in our support across the rest of the value chain,” Odoteye said.
“Our facility boasts cutting-edge technology, rigorous quality control measures and a team of expert professionals devoted to advancing the industry This plant has the capacity to produce dips, doses and vaccines for the animal health sector and we are well positioned to make a meaningful contribution and a meaningful impact on this industry and our country and the region,” he added.
Agricura background
Agricura provides a comprehensive range of crop chemicals, grain protectants, veterinary products and pest control services. Teams of technical experts are available countrywide to offer before and after sales services on the safe and efficient use agricultural and veterinary products.
On the Animal health side, Agricura has five lines of acaricides known as dips which are Sentinel 15%, Disnis 300, Sentinel 1% Pour-on, Sentinel tick dressing and Sentinel dog rinse. Agricura has been producing doses for the country which are Albex, Rafazole, Chanaverm and Zerofen since 1990. Today, Agricura is commissioning a world class Animal Health plant with a capacity of 4500 litres per week while in terms of lines, Agricura is increasing from four to nine lines of innovative products listed below:
Products which Agricura was manufacturing before:
- Albex 10%
- Rafazole
- Chanaverm
- Zerofen
Products being added to the dewormer basket:
- Albex Gold 20%
- Rumenil
- Bovex
- Tribex 10%
