ZPCS sets up fruit tree nursery

THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has set up a fruit tree nursery in Mutare with the aim of complementing the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe’s efforts to encourage tree planting throughout the country.

ZPCS has so far planted 30 000 lemon and 2 000 mango trees at its Mutare Farm Prison, a project which started sometime last year.

Mutare Farm Prison manager, assistant principal correctional officer Mr Isaac Sibiya said they were hoping to partner other players to find markets for their products.

“This is the first project to have been undertaken by the ZPCS in Zimbabwe and we are looking forward to expanding it to other correctional stations,” he said.

“Our efforts are aimed at complementing the Forest Commission’s target of planting about five million plants. The project is also part of our rehabilitation programmes that will benefit inmates at the end of the day.”

Mr Sibiya said as ZPCS, they had plans to engage the Forestry Commission’s training centre for further management of their plants and reach out to potential buyers.

He also said they want Forestry Commission to assist by providing certificates to inmates who undergo lessons in fruit tree planting.

“It is also our hope that we engage Forestry Commission Training Centre (FITC) so that it can offer certificates of attendance to inmates so that they can be recognised once they leave the prison. Forestry Commission will also help us in reaching out to buyers of our plants as we are planning to expand the project in future,” he said.

Mr Sibiya said they sourced seeds from the open markets around Mutare with Sakubva being the main provider.

He said ZPCS was also undertaking various projects aimed at addressing diet concerns for inmates.

“This is one of our many projects that we undertake as ZPCS with some aimed at assisting inmates once they get out of the prison. We are also into piggery,” he said.