CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The following is all about land use for Tapiwanashe farm under Guruve district in
Mashonaland Central Province . The farm specialises in crop production and
enterprise produced are Tobacco as commercial and seed tobacco , commercial
maize , wheat and citrus .

1.1 Farm details

 Name of the farm…………………………Tapiwanashe farm

 Farm owner……………………………….....Mr S. Gwaze
 Postal address………………………….…..P.O Box 318 Guruve
 Telephone………………………………........0776 664 240
 Natural region…………………………..…..IIB
 I.C.A……………………………………..........…Guruve
 District …………………………………......….Guruve
 Province …………………………….......……Mashonaland Central
 Country ………………………………........….Zimbabwe
 Total area…………………………………......176 ha
 Total arable land……………………….…..108 ha

1.2 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Details of aerial photography

The map was extracted by Mr Craig Deal in 1996 using a Global Positioning System (GPS

1
1.3 Mission

 Sustainable agriculture methods for our nation.

1.4 Vision

 To be the leader in farming and agriculture business in Mashonaland Central

Province.

1.5 Objectives

 To utilise all the available resources and maximise productivity and profitability of
the whole farm.
 Improve the standard of production on the farm.

2. CHAPTER TWO

Factors affecting land use

Factors affecting land use and production can be indicated under historical, natural and
artificial factors as shown below

2.1 Brief history of the farm

2
The farm originally belonged to Mr Chris Deal who was a white commercial farmer in 1946.
Mr Deal used to grow crops like tobacco, maize, beans, granadillas, oranges mangoes and
reared large stock of cattle, in 1979 he handed over the farm to his son Craig Deal. The new
owner made several developments that iclude the construction of proper compound houses
for workers and established irrigation. Mr Craig Deal left the farm in 2002 after the land
reform programme intensified , this gave Mr Syden Gwaze a chance to get the farm through
government land reform programme. The Marirambada farm was divided into six
subdivisions and Mr Gwaze was allocated in subdivision 4 of lot 1 of gomo, which was
111ha and only 35ha was arable. In April 2008, the governor’s office issued an offer letter to
Mr Gwaze to immediately takeover the vast Marirambada citrus which was previously owned
by the Guruve Rural District Council as it was under-utilised. Mr Gwaze currently own s
176ha and he is engaged in tobacco seed production, tobacco production, wheat, maize and
citrus.

2.2 Rainfall

The farm is located in region IIB where there is an avarege of 750-1000ml of rainfall per
annum. First rains are normally received in October, in mid January rainfall increases and
tails off,late March to early April. At times the farm severe water stress due to mid-season
dry spells. The following is the rainfall record with dates back to three seasons.

2:1 Mean annual rainfall (mm) from 2020-2023.

Month Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April Total Average
2020- 20 115 260 320 116 70 10 911 76
2021
2021- 15 95 100 295 165 51 40 761 63.4

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 2022
2022- 08 83 102 202 167 61 - 623 52
2023
Source Farm records.

Chart Title
350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
oct nov dec jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sept

2020-21 2021-22 2021-23

Source: Farm Records

2.3: Temperature

The area experience means annual temperature of 23˚c, the maximum temperature being 34˚c
and the minimum being 15˚c.

Table 2: Temperature pattern experienced in the area for season of 2020-23

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

max 25.8 24.3 21.6 21.6 24.6 22.5 21.1 21.4 17.8 16.1 18.5 25.4

Min 18.2 20.7 20.4 19.8 18.4 17.5 14.1 13.8 12.2 11.9 13.9 14.1

TEMPERATURE

SOURCE

4
Guruve weather station

Fig 2.2 showing temperature distribution for the season.

30

25

20

15

10
max
5
min
0
t v c n b r r y n l g p
o c n o d e j a fe m a a p m a j u j u a u s e

2.4: soil profiling and codes for the farm

The majority of the soils were derived from the granite and dolomite rocks, which are sand
and clay loam soils. The various soils codes are as follow:

Sampling Soil code Land Remarks

pit class
number
1 2 b C 5 3C I They are moderate deep soils with boundery as a
B-1 W1/Gr factor that hinder cultivation. The surface texture is
sand clay with good permeability and loose and
permeable gravel as the nature that limits effective
depth. The soils have a tendency to compact as a
physical soil characteristic and they are reddish
yellow in colour. The lower surface texture is sand
clay. The land has a slope of 0-2% with slight

5
 erosion and it holds water for short period of time.
The soils are derived from granite as a parent
material in which the soil is formed.
2 1 B 5/6C II The soils are deep sandy loamy, good permeability,
B-1W1/Gr they are yellowish brown in colour and sub soil
texture is sandy clay loamy.
There is a slope of 2-5% with slight erosion, soils
hold water for a short period of time. The soils are
derived from the Granite rocks

2.5 vegetation coding

Table 4

Vegetation code Description

TBS.Jub. g/Ter.s/Hyp.f/Hyp.r/2.2 4 The physiognomic type is Tree Bush
A-1W1/Do Savana with Julbernadia globiflora as the
dominant trees and Terminalia sericea
species as the sub-dominant trees. The
dominant grass is Hyparrhenia filipendular
and Hyparrhenia rafaas the sub-dominant
grass. There is a moderate Bush
encroachment and coppice development as a
site condition and the land has a carring
capacity of 4 hectares per livestock unity
with the surface texture of sand soils and the
land has a slight erosion. The soil holds
moisture for short time and they are derived
from dolerite rock as the parent material in
which the soil is formed.
BS. Bra.s/Upa.k/Dig.s/Spo.p/3.26 The Physiognomic type are Bush Savana
B-2 W1/Gr with dominant tree species are the
Brachystegiaspiciformis and

6
 Uapacakirkianabeing sub-dominant and
dominant grass is the Digitaria species and
sub-dominant grass is Sporobolus
pyramidalis. Bush encroachment is slight
and coppice growth is slight. The soil is
sandy loam with moderate erosion, wet for
infrequent periods.

2.6 Topography

Can be referred to as the nature of the terrain and small areas on the Eastern and Northern
boundaries and in the vicinity of the homestead are generally steep with a slope of 2-5% but
most of the remaining land on the farm is relatively to gently slope of 0-2%.

2.7 Drainage

They were storm drains used to drain water from the fields.

2.8 Communication

Currently the farm uses radios and cell phones for communication and each head of
department has a radio and a cell phone. Farm owner and his family only uses Wi-Fi.

2.9 Water supply and management

There is a dam on the farm which also supplies the farm with water for irrigation in summer
when there are dry spells and irrigating tobacco and citrus. Water is pumped into two tanks;
one is used for domestic purposes and chlorinate. There are two centre pivots and a 70 horse
power pump.The dam holds 200 million mega litres.

2.10 Soils conservation and erosion

The gentle slope in most field blocks have necessitated a good drainage and fair infiltration
rate thus there is very minimal run-off. This gives protection to the soil from erosion by run-

7
off, soils are being conserved through crop rotation but some crest roads need to be graded as
they are negligence for a longer time. Some contours are in the field minimise soil erosion.

2.11.0 labour availability

Farm consist of 100 workers, 85 permanent workers and 15 casual workers. They work eight
hours per day every week excluding Sundays, and in case there is need for over time workers
would do and were paid as soon they finished the task.

2.11.1 Remuneration

Workers were paid $3.00 per day. The farm owner adheres to the payment structure gazetted
by the government. The farm workers were paid according to the number of days worked per
month.

2.11.2 Feeding and housing

There were 45 households in the compound which were electrified. All houses were roofed
with asbestos. They were provided with food packs on credit basis in which were deducted
from pay.

2.11.3 ORGANOGRAM

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 Farm owner

Farm
manager

Clerk Supervisor

General hand
Foreman

2.12 Pest and diseases

Pest and diseases are of economic importance, this will affect yield and quality negatively.

Crop Diseases /Pests Chemical

Maize Fall armyworm Volt star 750 ml/ha

Tobacco and Seed Tobacco Angular leafspot Belt, Bion

Citrus Rust Copper oxychloride

Wheat Leaf and Stem rust Soprano and Nemesis

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CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Present land use

Every activity done by student was recorded daily, monthly reports of activities were written
in the log book and submitted to the farm manager.

3.1 Crop enterprises

Tapiwanashe is well known in tobacco seed production, tobacco production, maize, wheat
production and citrus production.

Table 5 shows crop enterprises

Crop Area planted (ha) Variety

Commercial maize 13 SC727
Tobacco 32 KRK72/76
Tobacco seed 0,33
Wheat 12 SC NDUNA
Citrus 60 Block:2A Turkey Valencia’s
:2B Royal Mandarin
:2C Satsuma
:2D clementine’s
:3 Delta Valencia’s
:4 Tommy Atkins (mango)
:5 Palma Navel’s
:6 Bahanina Navel’s
: 7 Egg Navel’s

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3.1.1.0 Maize Production

 Variety____ SC727
 Area ____13 ha

3.1.1.1 Land preparation

The land is ploughed soon after harvesting. Disking is done as a secondary operation in
September so as to provide good tilth which is clods free. And also allowing water
infiltration, good air circulation and root penetration.

3.1.1.2 Planting

Planting starts in mid-November and early December and planter was used as a method of
planting. Seed rate 25kgs/hectare and inter row spacing is 75cm and in row spacing of 20-
24cm giving an average plant population of 55 555 plants/hectare.

3.1.1.3 Fertiliser application

Basal fertiliser that is used for planting is Compound D and it is applied at the rate of
400kgs/ha. On top dressing Ammonium Nitrate is used at the rate of 300kgs/ha. Chola system
method was used and top dressing was made through split application.First application done
at four weeks stage and final application done near tasseling stage.

3.1.1.4 Weed control

Herbicides were used to control weeds. The maize field should be weed free in order to
achieve high yield.

Table 6: shows herbicides used on the farm

Herbicides Target weeds Mode of action Rate/ha

Glyphosate All weeds Pre-emergence 2l/ha
Atrazine Broad and annual Pre-emergence and 3l/ha
grasses post emergence
Metalachlor Broad and annual Both pre and post 1.5l/ha
grasses emergence

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3.1.1.5 Pest and diseases

Fall armyworm was the problematic pest, it was controlled using volt star at the rate of
750ml/ha.

3.1.1.6 Harvesting

It was done by farm workers and hired labour. Maize was harvested after reaching the
moisture content of 13%. The cobs were loaded in a trailer ad transported to the shed where
maize shelling was done.

3.1.1.7 Storage

After shelling is done,maize is then stored in the shed.

3.1.1.8 Marketing

Maize was sold to Guruve Grain Marketing Board (GMB).

3.1.2.0 Tobacco production

variety grown KRK74 and KRK29

AREA:32ha ____32ha irrigated

3.1.2.1 Seedbed management

When I started my industrial attachment, the nursery was already done. The seedbed area was
deep ploughed in April using a plough then dics harrow for breaking clobs.Beds were
constructed 30m by 1.5m.

3.1.2.2 Sowing

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Sowing was done on the 1st of June for irrigation. Basal fertiliser was compound s and was
used at the rate of 6 kgs/bed, double can and boom were used at sowing . we then covered
beds with fine grass that was the mulch and perforated plastics. Calcium nitrate was used to
boost the growth of seedlings,it was applied five weeks after sowing.

3.1.2.3 Chemicals used in seedbed

 We used copper oxychloride 85wp 200ML/16l knapsack and applied it over three
beds for angula and altanaria
 We used thunder 4ml/20ltrs can for ants and termites
 Belt was used at a rate of 5ml/40l of water
 Bion was used at 5 gms/4l/100m2
 We also used bytan at 750g/200l of water for soreshin control.

3.1.2.4 Watering

Small sprinklers were used and was used at 30 minutes per interval 3 times / day.

3.1.2.5 Clipping

It was done when seedling are about 3-4 cm, clipping was done every week and scirsors were
treated by copper oxychloride.It was done for informity and to allow small seedlings to catch
up with other.

3.1.2.6 Hardening off

It starts when seedlings are 13-15 cm.It was done inorder to come up with health seedlings by
reducing amount of water gradually and fertilisers also.

3.1.2.7 Pulling

We applied bytan before pulling to prevent soreshin. The beds were watered to field capacity
3 days prior to the pulling day so that roots can be pulled out easly without excessive damage

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3.1.2.8 FIELD OPERATION

Land preparation

The land was firstly ploughed using a dics plough and followed by dics harrow to make fine
tilth. Tobacco is grown on ridges because it is sensitive to water lodging hence the need for
drain access water from the crop, rigdes were made using a double row ridger. The spacing
was 1.2m inter row and 55cm in row.

3.1.2.9 Planting

The crop was planted in September for irrigation and October for semi-irrigated
tobacco.About 5l of water was applied to each planting station so to link with the residual
moisture, then we applied chemicals which were velum, chlopyrifos and imidacloprid.
Seedlings were planted immediately making sure that the bud of the seedling is just above the
top of ridges and avoid the bud to sink in the hole with water and chemicals. After planting
dry soils was used to cover the seedling leaving the bud outside.500kgs/ha of compound c
was applied during planting and calcium ammonium nitrate was used as top dressing and was
applied at the rate of 75kgs/ha.

3.1.2.10 Pest and diseases

Budworm was the most problematic pest ,which eats the bud of the tobacco plant.

Table 7 shows pest and disease on tobacco.

Crop Pest/disease product Rate/ha

Tobacco Budworm Belt 24ml/10lof water
Ants and termites imidacloprid 30g
Nematodes Velum 900ml
Wild fire and Bion 60g
angular leaf spot.
Cutworms chloprifos 110 ml

3.1.2.11 Weed control

14
Weeding was done using and herbicides hoes.

Table 8 shows herbicides used in tobacco field.

Herbicide Targeted weeds Rate/ha

Authority Broad leaf and annual grass. 0.45l
Clomazone Broad leaf and annual grass. 1,5l

3.1.2.12 Topping

It is the removal of the bud by hands or chemicals. It prevent the development of seed and
transfares the energy to leaf size development. Topping was done at the avarege of 18 leaves
per plant. We used chemicals like N- decanol.

3.1.2.13 Reaping

The crop was harvested as from December to April , ripe leaves were reaped by farm workers
and they were divided into groups at a target of 200 clips per person. Reaping was done using
a modhro presser and tallita clips, ripe leaves were reaped and loarded in to barns on the same
day.

3.1.2.14 Curing

Curing is the process of breaking down starch into sugars, breaking down chlorophyll and to
dry the leaf in time so that all biological processes are going stopped thereby preserving
important chemicals in the leaf. Curing was done by selected farm workers who had
knowledge of working with modhro, chongololo, and convectional barns. Curing generally
last for 7 daysand there are four stages of curing which are colouring, colour fixing, lamina
drying and midrib drying.

3.1.2.15 Grading

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Grading was done by selected farm workers with experience and skilled, who lead the
process. Tobacco leaves were graded according to colour, size,length,quality and reap
number. After tobacco has been graded it was then tied hands and after tying hands it was
bailed at an average of 100kgs-120kgs.

3.1.2.16 Markerting

Tobacco sold to Mashonaland Tobacco Company where the farm owner was contracted.

3.1.3.0 Tobacco seed production

male ___1245plants

female__3250plants

3.1.3.1 Land preparation

Ploughing and disking was done 21 days before planting day, rigding was also done. The
interow and in row spacing was 1.2m and 55cm respectively.

3.1.3.2 Planting and fertiliser application

Male plants were planted on the 2 th of September and female plant were planted on the 3 th
October, the average of 5l of water was applied at each planting station to coutch up with the
residual moisture, then chemicals were applied which were velum, imidacloprid and
chlopriyphos and then dry soil was used for covering after planting. Basal fertiliser was
applied 4 days after planting at 32g per plant, clomazone was used as herbicide and it was
applied four days after planting. After 21 days from plantimg date top dressing was applied at
5g per plant. Amonium nitrate was and compound c was applied two weeks interval at the
rate of 5g per plant. After six weeks calcium was applied 50 kgs/200l, with 30ml of mixture
per station,eight weeks from the planting day.

Velum Nematicide 1lt/ha

Bion Agular leaf spot 60g/ha
Imidachloprid Insecticide 1l/ha
Demethoite Insecticide 300ml/100l
Copper Oxychloride Fungicide 300g/16l

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 Dithane Fungicide 30g/16l
Azoxy dual Fungicide 500ml
Acephate Insecticide 150g/100l
Belt Budworms 30ml/200l

3.1.3.3 Pollinating and harvesting

Pollen harvesting started on the 3 th of November and they are harvested and dried for three
days using heat from bulbs and they take about three days. Pollination started a month after
pollen collection. After pollination mature seeds were harvested and dried using air under
shed, after drying , dry sepals were removed from the seed. Extraction of seed was done after
the removal of sepals and it was done about a week from harvested.

3.1.3.4 Storage

Seed was stored in a shade under controled room temperature,packed in a 20 litre bucket
ready for marketing.

3.1.3.5 Marketing

Finished seed was sold to Kutsaga Research Board

3.1.4.0 Wheat production

Area___12ha

Variety __SC Nduna

3.1.4.1 Land preparation

Ploughing and disking was done before planting inorder to have fine tilth.

3.1.4.2 Planting and fertiliser application

A Vicon was used at planting ,basal fertiliser 6:23:23 was applied at a rate of 800kgs/ha. Top
dressing was done ate the rate of 500kgs ha. Seed rate was 150 kgs/ ha

3.1.4.3 Irrigation

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This was done using a 3 span and 2 span centre pivots by watering 25 ml per each watering
time. Watering was done twice a week respectively. The pivot moves with 15% speed during
irrigation.

3.1.4.4 Hardening

After a proper germination of 85% the plants were left without water so that they can go deep
down in search of a moisture again at the same time each and every plant gain more shoots
thereby boosting the yield. Hardening was done for 21 days.

3.1.4.5 Chemical application

We used Nemesis at the rate of 500 ml/200 litres of water in controlling of fall armyworm
and cutworms.

3.1.4.6 Crop guarding

The crop was guarded from birds & animals which by workers using drums by making
sounds upon birds.

3.1.4.7 Harvesting

We used a combine harvester.

3.1.4.8 Marketing

Wheat produce sold to Guruve Grain Marketing Board (GMB).

3.1.5.0 Citrus production

Area _____60ha

Variety__Block:2A Turkey Valencia’s

: 2B Royal Mandarin

: 2C Satsuma

: 2D clementine’s

: 3 Delta Valencia’s

: 4 Tommy Atkins (mango)

18
 : 5 Palma Navel’s

: 6 Bahanina Navel’s

: 7 Egg Navel’s

3.1.5.1 Propagation

Citrus trees are produced from grafting, roots stock affects the fruit colour, diseases
resistance and vigour. Rootstock which was used were from Mazowe rough lemon.
Propagation was done through budding.

3.1.5.2 Planting

Planting was done by using a planting board, and the inter row spacing is 7m and in-row is
6m.

3.1.5.3 Irrigation

The plants allow moisture depletion of 30-45% and they can be watered down to 75cm deep.
Drip irrigation is used to avoid fungal diseases. Mature trees require 1000-1500mm/year. If
the fruit starts to ripe, they stop irrigating to avoid loss of taste to the fruit.

3.1.5.4 Fertiliser

Ammonia nitrate was applied at the rate of 200kgs twice per year 50grams per plant station.
The first half is applied in July and the other half is applied in November.

3.1.5.5 Pest and diseases

Aphids are major pest that affect citrus production. They are controlled by Dimethoate at the
rate of 75ml in 1000l of water per ha before fruit ripens and also by removing fallen fruits
and destroying them and also practise proper irrigation.

3.1.5.6 Harvesting

Fruits are harvested when they are ripe, thus when they turn from green to yellow. It starts
from the month of February to June.

3.1.5.7 Marketing

19
Fruit was graded according to size and quality and they were sold to local vendors. Marketing
is much easier because the farm is in partnership with Farm Gate which helps in finding a
reliable market to sell oranges and mango. Food lovers company also bought fruits from the
farm.

3.2 Livestock enterprise

No livestock at the farm.

3.3 Pasture

Pastures are readily available.

3.4 Timber and siviculture

They were gum trees at the farm.

3.5 Fencing

Tapiwanashe farm was fenced with barbed wire but it is unfenced due to vandalism by farm
workers and from nearby communities. Only the farm office, homestead is well fenced and
well gated.

3.6 Table 9 List of machinery and implements.

Implement Number functional Un-functional

Tractors
Landin 3 2 1
Valtra 2 2 -
Massey 2 2 -
Ferguson
Vehicles
3.5 tonne lorry 1 1 -
UD truck 1 1 -
9.5 tonne lorry 1 0 1
Implements
Roller 1 1 -
Disc plough 2 2 -

20
 Disc harrow 2 1 1
Trailer 6 4 2
Ridger 2 2 -
Boom sprayer 6 2 4
Vicon 3 2 1
Spring loaded 1 1 -
cultivator
Knapsack 15 9 6
sprayer
Maize sheller 1 1 -
Water bowser 4 4 -
Ripper 3 2 1
Planter 1 1 -
Mower machine 2 2 -
Lime spreader 2 2 -
Modro presser 3 1 2
Vehicle 10 10 -
Water pump 2 2 -
Bale presser 1 1 -
Irrigation
equipment
Pivot 2 2 -
Sprinkler 80 80 -

3.6 Table 10 Farm buildings

Farm sheds 4 Functional

Farm house 1 Functional
Workshop 1 Functional

21
 Fowl runs 10 Functional( not in use)
Pig stay 19 Functional(not in use)
Fish pond 3 Functional(not in use)
Tobacco barn 9 Functional
Managers house 1 Functional
Farm workers houses 70 Functional
Farm offices 3 Functional
Pump house 1 Functional
Storage shed 1 Functional

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Business Summary for Present Land Use

4.1 Gross Margin Budget for Commercial maize

 Area 13ha
 Price/t $300
 Potential yield 15t
 Actual Yield/ha 10t
 Gross income $39 000.00
 Total variable cost $11949.60
 Gross margin $27050.40
 Return/$ $3.26

Item Unit Q/ha Cost/unit Cost/ha Total cost

Land preparation
Ploughing L 20 1.43 28.60 371.80
Disking L 15 1.43 21.45 643.50
Planting L 15 1.43 21.45 643.50

22
 Seed Kg 25 2.70 67.50 877.50
Fertiliser
Compound D Kg 450 0.60 270.00 3510.00
Ammonium nitrate Kg 300 0.80 240.00 3120.00
Herbicides
Metalachlor L 1.5 14.00 21.00 273.00
Atrazine L 3.6 10.00 36.00 468.00
Glyphosate L 1.5 7.00 10.50 136.50
Pesticides
Volt star L 0.5 5.00 2.50 32.50
Harvesting
Labour LD 5 3.00 15.00 195.00
Harvesting fuel L 20 1.43 28.60 371.80
Bags Kg 20 0.50 10 130.00
Twine roll 1 7.00 7.00 91.00
Sub total 10863.30
5% miscellaneous 543.17
Total variable cost 11406.47
Gross income 39000.00
Gross margin 27593.53
Return /$ 3.42

Comment: The enterprise is viable since there is return per dollar of $3.42

4.2 Gross Margin Budget for Tobacco production

 Area 32 ha

23
  Average price/kg $4.50/kg
 Yield/ha 2500kg
 Gross income $360000.00
 Total variable cost $39100.32
 Gross margin $399100.32
 Return/$ $9.20

Items Unit Q/ha Cost/unit Cost/ha Total cost

Seedbed

ploughing L 20 1.43 28.60 915.20

Seed g 5 5.00 25.00 800.00

Compound S Kg 18 0.80 14.40 460.80

Calcium nitrate Kg 5 0.70 3.50 112.00

Clomazone L 0.01 20.00 0.20 6.40

Dithane L 0.5 13.00 6.50 208.00

Copper oxychloride kg 0.6 12 7.20 230.40

Thunder L 0.036 50.00 7.00 224.00

Bion g 0.06 550.00 33.00 1056.00

Bytan ml 750 7.50 10.00 320.00

Land
preparation
Ploughing L 20 1.43 28.60 915.20
Harrowing L 15 1.43 21.45 686.40
Ridging L 15 1.43 21.45 686.40
Fertilisers
Compound C Kg 500 0.76 380.00 12160.00

24
Ammonium Kg 150 0.70 105.00 3360.00
nitrate
Herbicides
Authority L 1 10.00 10.00 320.00
Clomazone L 1.5 20.00 30.00 960.00
Crop protection
Velum L 1 200.00 200.00 6400.00
Chlorpyriphos L 0.110 15.00 1.65 52.80
Imidacloprid L 1 20.00 20.00 640.00
Pivot generator L 30 1.43 42.90 1372.80
Suckercides
N-decanol L 5 13.00 65.00 2080.00
Fluemetralin L 5 13.00 65.00 2080.00
Harvesting
Tractor L 25 1.43 35.75 1144.00
Labour L/Day 4 3.00 12.00 384.00
Curing
Coal Tonne 1 25.00 25.00 800.00
Packing
material
Khakhi Rolls 2 3.00 6.00 192.00
Hessian 50 1.00 50.00 1600.00
Twine 1 1 1 32.00
Generator fuel L 30 1.43 42.90 1372.80
Sub total 37238.40
5% 1861.92
miscellaneous
Total variable 39100.32
cost
Gross income 360000.00
Gross margin 399100.32
Return /$ 9.20

25
Comment:The enterprise is viable since there is return per dollar of $9.20

Wheat production

Gross margin budget for wheat

 Area 12ha
 Yield/ha 7t
 Price/t $450
 Gross income $37800.00
 Total variable cost $17089.9365
 Gross margin $19896.26
 Return/$ $2.2

Unit Quantity/ha Cost/Unit Cost/ha Total Cost

Land
Preparation
Ploughing L 20 1.43 28.60 343.20
Disking L 15 1.43 21.45 257.40
Rolling L 15 1.43 21.45 257.40
Planting L 15 1.43 21.45 257.40
Seed Kg 150 2.50 375.00 4500.00
Fertilizers
Cereal blend Kg 500 0.84 420.00 5040.00
Urea Kg 400 0.70 280.00 3360.00
Herbicides
Nemesisi L 0.5 15.00 7.50 90.00

26
 MCPA L 4 10.00 40.00 480.00

Spraying L 4 1.43 5.72 68.64

Glyphosate L 1.5 7.00 10.50 126.00
Labour 4 3.00 12.00 144.00
Harvesting

Combine L 15 1.43 21.45 257.40

harvester
Packing Kg 160 0.50 80.00 960.00
Twine Kg 1 1 1.00 12.00
Transport $/t 40 1.43 85.80 122.69
Sub total 16276.13
5%miscellanious 813.8065
Total Variable 17 089.9365
Cost
Gross income 37800.00
Gross margin 19896.26
Return/Dollar 2.2

The enterprise is viable since there is return per dollar of $2.2

4.3 Citrus production

Area :60 ha

Price/tonne $250

Yield/ha 15 tonnes

Gross income $225000.00

Total Variable $46323

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Gross margin $191029.80

Return/$ 4.9

Item Unit Quantity/ha Cost/unit Cost/ha Total Cost

Fertilizers
Ammonium Kg 300 0.70 210.00 12600.00
Nitrate
Herbicides
Glyphosate L 1.5 7.00 10.50 630.00
Pesticides
Copper kg 2 12.00 24.00 1440.00
oxychloride
Dimethoate L 1 6.75 6.75 405.00
imidacloprid L 1 9.00 9.00 540.00
Grass L 40 1.43 57.20 3432.00
Mowing
Spraying L 50 1.43 71.50 4290.00
Harvesting L 25 1.43 35.75 2145.00
fuel
labour L/D 30 3 90.00 5400.00
Sub total 30882.00
Miscellaneous 15441
5%
Total variable 46323
cost
Gross Income 225000.00
Gross Margin 191029.80
Return/$ 4.9

This enterprise is viable since there is only maintaining of citrus and costs are low so return
per dollar is high 4.9

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Seed Tobacco production budget

 Area 0.33ha
 Price/g $3
 Actual yield 100kg
 Gross income $300000.00
 Total variable cost $19583.25
 Gross margin $280416.75
 Return/$ variable cost $15.32

Item Unit Quantity/ha Cost/Unit Cost/ha Total Cost

Ploughing L 20 1.43 28.60 9.43
Harrowing L 15 1.43 21.45 7.07
Seed G 5 5 25.00 8.25
Compound s Kg 18 0.60 10.80 10.68
Ammonia kg 5 0.70 3.50 2.30
Nitrate
Clomazone L 0.01 20.00 0.20 0.07
Copper kg 0.2 12.00 2.40 9.50

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oxychloride
Belt L 0.37 320.00 118.4 156.28
Bion kg 0.60 550.00 33.00 10.89
Dithane L 0.50 13.00 6.50 17.16
Bytan L 0.75 10.00 7.50 2.48
Mancozeb kg 0.5 15.00 7.50 19.80
Dimethoate L 0.5 12.00 6.00 9.90
Sunlight soap ml 0.2 0.4 4.00 1.32
Land
preparation
Ploughing L 20 1.43 28.60 9.43
Disking L 15 1.43 21.45 7.07
Fertilizers
Compound C kg 500 0.76 380.00 125.40
Calcium nitrate kg 150 0.80 120.00 356.40
Ammonia nitrate kg 150 0.70 105.00 277.20
Via grow L 5 12.00 60.00 19.80
Herbicides
Authority L 1 10.00 10.00 3.30
Clomazone L 1.5 20.00 30.00 9.90
Crop protection
Bion×6 kg 0.06 550.00 33.00 65.34
Belt×5 L 0.37 320.00 118.4 195.36
Velum×4 L 1 200.00 200.00 264.00
Chlorpyriphos×2 L 0.110 15.00 1.65 4.95
Dimethoate ×12 L 0.5 12 6.00 23.76
Imidacloprid L 1 20.00 20.00 6.60
Labour L/ 35 3.00 150.00 17010.00
D×6months
Rogging L 15 1.43 21.45 7.07
Sub total 18650.71
5% 932.54
miscellaneous

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 TVC 19583.25
Gross income 300000.00
Gross margin 280416.75
Return/$ 15.32

The enterprise is viable since there is a high return per dollar of $15.32

Seed Tobacco production budget

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Agro-ecological survey of the farm

Tapiwanashe is found in natural region 2b, which receives annual rainfall of 750-1000mm.
Rainfall is effectively distributed from October to March, climate conditions in this region
makes it possible to venture into different types of farming. The farm is located 15km from
Guruve-Mvurwi.

5.1 Strength

 The soils are clay loam to sand loams that are well drained hence plant and animal life
can be well supported.
 A variety of farming activities can be done at this farm because Tapiwanashe farm is
located in an area that has favourable climatic conditions that can support different
types of enterprises.

31
  It also has a perennial source of water hence irrigation can do throughout the year
without encountering any significant challenges of water shortage

5.2 Weaknesses

 They delay paying wages and salaries which causes workers to move away to other
farms
 The farm owner is the one who makes all decisions, to assign jobs and tells manager
to give duties to the foreman. This made the manager to feel neglected and it reduce
their commitment to the work they assigned to do.

5.3 Opportunities

 The farm can venture into apiculture since there is citrus on the farm which can
produce nectar for bees.
 Marketing of honey can be found in Guruve or Mvurwi since transport is available.

5.4 Threats

 Wild animals such as monkey are a threat especially in maize and citrus production.
 New competition from other farmers with a similar product which might be of better
quality.
 Veld fires and theft.

CHAPTER SIX

6.1 Proposed Land Use 1

ONION PRODUCTION

6.1.1 Justifications

 Available water for irrigation

 No farmer nearby produces onion so no competition
 Utilisation of land which where once in citrus production that destructed by fire
 Owners are associated with take away business production and are running a
supermarket

 Availability of perennial source of water.

 Availability of irrigation equipment.

32
Land preparation

Deep plough then disc till the soil is fine . This is because a fine tilt need to be archived so the
bulbs can grow much bigger without disturbance of any large clods . So if the soil is fine the
bulbs will be enormous .

Planting

When growing onions a mother bed is created depends with perspective of others , but
creating a mother bed reduces risks of diseases and pest attack . When transplanting a plant
spacing of 20cm inter row and 5 cm in row is done .

Fertilizer application

Top dressing, 100kg/ha Ammonium Nitrate 2-3 weeks after emergence. Too much Nitrogen
causes delayed bulbing. 9 100 kg/ha Ammonium Nitrate 3 – 4 weeks after transplanting,
similar quantity if the plants look yellowish. 1 kg/ha Zinc Oxide for zinc deficiency.

Weeding

Hand hoeing is encouraged by using a hoe , one must use a hoe gently not to damage the
bulbs . Weed after 3 to 4 weeks to reduce pest and disease infestation . For post-emergent
herbicides one can use Gallant super to get rid of weeds .

Disease management

A robust fungicide regime to curb Onion common fungal diseases such as Alternaria, Downy
mildew, Powdery mildew, Rust, Neck rot and Purple blotch. The fungicide basket must have
Dithane M45, Metalaxyl and Mancozeb .

Pest management

In terms of insecticides, use Carbaryl 85WP - to control caterpillars .THRIPS are the most
economically important pest, we will need at least one product for controlling them and the
options is Thunder .

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Harvesting

Done when 50% of the tops have wilted/collapsed. Cure at 33° and 60 – 70 % relative
humidity, the bulbs will dry within five to seven days. Sort and grade, removing all thick-
necked onions.

Storage

Storage , plaited into strings while the tops are still a little moist and suspended in a well-
ventilated shed with low temperature and low humidity. Bulbs dry off satisfactorily when
laid out thinly in a shady, airy place. Inspect weekly and remove all spoiled bulbs. Harvested
and cured onions can then be stored for several months when kept at a temperature of 0° -
8°C.

Marketing

Since the farm is near headlands center and no farms around the farm do onion production
selling to the headlands center is actually suitable . The price of onions is $ 0 .50 per kg .
Selling onions to nearby villagers is a way to increase margin . since there are no
competitors .

Area 5 Ha

Price per KG $0.50

KG / Hectare 75 000

Total Variable Cost $8 258.25

Gross Margin $179 241.75

Gross Income $187 500

34
Return Per Dollar 22.71

Rate per hectare Unit cost Total cost

Land
Preparation
Harrowing 10 liters / hectare 1.45 72.5
Seed(REGENT 3kg/ha 10 150
F1)
Fertilsers
Compound S 1000 kg / ha 0.90 4 500
Ammonium 100 kg / ha 0.60 300
Nitrate
Agric lime 300 kg / ha 0.43 645
Herbicides
Gallant 1.5 lts / ha 10 75
Disease control
Mancozeb 1 kg / ha 10 50
Diathane M45 4 kg / ha 8 160
Metalaxyl 3 kg / ha 7.5 112.5
Pesticides
Cabaryl 85 WP 1 kg / ha 14 70
Melathion 1 kg / ha 8 40
Thunder 1 lts / ha 50 250
Harvesting
Labour 4days / tonne 128 640
Packing 160 800
Sub Total 7 865
Add 5% 393.25
contingency
Total Variable 8 258.25
Cost
Gross Income 187 500
Gross Margin 179 241.75
Return per 22.71
Dollar

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6.2 APPICULTURE PRODUCTION

JUSTIFICATIONS
 The citrus production at the farm and is net to apiculture site production .
 There is a dam less 100 meters .
 There is so many trees to the site for apiculture .
 Honey can be sold to Mvurwi Growth Point , Guruve Growth point and even to the
Supermarkets
 Honey bee colonies used for pollination to reduce the risk of having year of poor
pollination
 Honey bee attain high levels of fruit set with large evenly ripening berries
 Bees pollinates our agricultural crops for free.

BUSINESS SUMMARY FOR APICULTURE PRODUCTION

Area to be planted 2Ha
Yield/ha 18000KG
Selling Price $9/KG
Number of hives 2000
Gross income $324000
R/$ $9.6

GROSS MARGIN BUDGET FOR APICULTURE PRODUCTION

ITEM Rate/ha Total quantity Unit cost $ Total cost $
Hive 1000 2000 15.00 30000.00
Wax KG 5 10 12.00 120.00
Propolis KG 10 20 10.00 200.00
Buckets 20L 40 80 2.00 160.00
Hats and veils 20 40 5.00 200.00
Bee brush 20 40 3.00 120.00
Ear defenders 40 40 0.20 16.00
Smokers 20 40 25.00 1000.00
Knife 20 40 1.00 40.00
DISEASE CONTROL
Terracycin KG 0.5 1 7.00 75.00
Sulfathiazole KG 0.5 1 8.00 80.00
Labour L/d 20 40 3.00 120.00
SUBTOTAL 32131.00
Miscellaneous 2% 1 606.55
TVC 33 737.55
Gross income 324000.00
Gross margin 290 262.45
R/$ 9.6

36
 CHAPTER SEVEN

7.0Whole farm budget for present land use

7.1.1 Table 10: shows whole farm budget for present land use

enterprise G.I T.V.C T.F.C T.C N.F.I

Maize 39 000.00 11 406.47 12 000.00 23 406.47 15 593.53

Citrus 225 000.00 32 426.10 12 000.00 44 426.10 180 573.90

Wheat 37 800.00 17 089.94 12 000.00 29 089.94 8 710.06

Tobacco 360 000.00 39 100.32 12 000.00 51 100.32 308 899.68

Seed tobacco 300 000.00 19 583.25 12 000.00 31 583.25 268 416.75

N.F.P 782 193.92

7.1.2Whole farm budget under present land use and proposed land use

Table 11: shows comparison present use and proposed land use

enterprise G.I T.V.C T.F.C T.C N.F.I

Maize 39 000.00 11 406.47 12 000.00 23 406.47 15 593.53

Citrus 225 000.00 32 426.10 12 000.00 44 426.10 180 573.90

Wheat 37 800.00 17 089.94 12 000.00 29 089.94 8 710.06

Tobacco 360 000.00 39 100.32 12 000.00 51 100.32 308 899.68

37
Seed tobacco 300 000.00 19 583.25 12 000.00 31 583.25 268 416.75

Onion 187 500 8258.25 12 000.00 20258.25 141 762.45

Apiculture 324 000 33 737.55 12 000.00 45 737.55 278 262.45

N.F.P 4200249.9

Comment

 There are positive in figures in gross income for both present and proposed land use
 The return per dollar is greater than 1.
 Both proposals are highly promising and in future, may turn the entrepreneur into a
multi-millionaire or even a billionaire.
 The proposed change resulted in a change of NET FARM INCOME from $ 1 790 429
to $ 1 933 235 thus resulting in a positive NET ECONOMIC EFFECT of $ 142 806.

Recommendation

 I recommend the farmer to engage into proposed enterprises so as to increase net farm
profit.
 Workers to get their salaries in time and in full.
 l recommends the management team to review and improve worker’s remunerations
and provide safety clothing at work to prevent loses associated with worker turnover.
 I recommend the farmer to introduce electrical fencing system to avoid stray wildlife
 I also recommend the farmer to construct more toilets

38
Conclusion

The present farming enterprises that are being practised at the farm are really producing profit
that seems favourable to the farmer. It also include some recommendation and proposals
made by the researcher which is also included in the business summary of the farm.

39
References

1. Agritex records, 2014

2. Mujaya and svota, 2014
3. Owen, B.F,(2000) Poultry Production in Southern Africa

40