Animal health plant to reduce importation of vet drugs

Violet Chenyika
Zimbabwe’s drive to replace imports in veterinary vaccines has taken a huge step as a local company, Agricura, has come up with a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical facility that is designed to produce veterinary remedies and doses targeting internal parasites.
The plant is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on imports and ensure a consistent supply of essential veterinary drugs to farmers.
Agricura is known for providing a wide range of crop chemicals, grain protectants, veterinary chemicals and pest control services.
Currently, Agricura holds 11 veterinary registrations. Of these, four are used for internal remedies while the rest consist of dipping chemicals.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said the animal health plant will lessen import bills and increase livestock health and productivity.
“The establishment of state-of-the-art animal health facilities like this one exemplifies the sector’s potential to spur industrial growth and innovation. Such facilities ensure the production of high-quality veterinary products and enhance livestock health.
“The new plant will directly support the Government’s Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan, the Agricultural Food Systems Transformation Strategy, and the National Development Strategy (NDS1).
“Additionally, it will help reduce the import bill for animal health products, thereby saving much-needed foreign currency for our economy,” he said.
Agricura Production Manager, Mr Musekiwa Masundire said the plant will mostly produce internal veterinary remedies for the main diseases affecting livestock.
“We are committed to research and development, ensuring our products meet the evolving needs of Zimbabwe’s livestock industry.
He said they are adding new products.
“The plant has been redesigned to a capacity of between 240 000 to 360 000 litres per annum. We should be able to meet the local and regional demands for these dosing products,” he said.