Rhizobium plant up for refurbishment

The country’s sole rhizobium plant in Marondera will soon be refurbished at a cost of US$200 000, an official has said.
Capacity at the plant has fallen from 300 000 tonnes at its peak to 120 000 tonnes a year in recent years, largely due to a number of problems that include power outages, water shortages and antiquated machinery.
The head of the Chemistry and Soils Research Institute which runs the plant, Mr David Dhliwayo said funding for the refurbishment had been secured from the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (ICTA).
Rhizobium is a nitrogenous fertiliser mainly used in the production of soya beans.
“We have reached an agreement with them (ICTA) and we will be signing an MOU to put the project into motion,” Mr Dhliwayo said.
“The funds will help procure equipment that includes generators for back up services in case of power cuts,” he added.
The refurbishment will begin this month, and completion is expected in six months.
Mr Dhliwayo said a borehole would also be sunk to address the problem of erratic water supplies at the plant. Rhizobium is a cheap fertiliser, with an 80-gramme sachet costing US$5, but enough to cover a hectare. – New Ziana.