Agric sector collapse affecting industry

Manufacturing industries have been hard hit by the collapse of agriculture, with industry being forced to import raw materials that were previously available locally.

Bulawayo-based United Refineries, producers of cooking oil, washing and bathing soap, is being forced to import crude oil, soya beans and cotton seed from South Africa, owing to ZImbabwe's failed agriculture.

United Refineries chief executive officer, Busisa Moyo said his company was importing seed and crude oil to meet local demand because the seed, which used to come from lint producers, had dried out.