US$15m stock feed plant commissioned 

A $15 million stock feed manufacturing plant has been commissioned in Norton and is expected to breathe life in the national command livestock programme multiplier effect.

Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Minister Retired Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri, in a speech read on his behalf by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi, said the stock feed manufacturing plant which produces 10 metric tonnes of stock feed per hour is a milestone for the command livestock programme’s multiplier effect on the input supply chain.

He urged the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to also explore opportunities of stock feed export markets.

“The products from this plant should not be targeted for the local market only. At a production capacity of 10 tonnes per hour, you have enough capacity to explore export market,” said Retired Air Chief Marshal Shiri.

GMB Board Chairman Mr Charles Chikaura said the parastatal’s commercial value addition business has recorded significant success and has managed to play its price stabilisation role in the milling sector.

Special Advisor to the President Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa called on more investors to set sight on Norton, which he said has all the necessary conditions for investments.

“Norton is one town in the country where you get anything you need, making it a better town to invest in. The minerals are there, good rich soils for those interested in agriculture and has the required water bodies,” said Ambassador Mutsvangwa.

The establishment of the stock feed manufacturing plant in Norton demonstrates integration of government programmes as it comes after the launch of command livestock, fisheries and wildlife programmes which will need constant stock.