Manicaland exports rake in US$53.2m

MANICALAND’S ideal climatic conditions have spurred the production of organic horticultural produce which has enabled the province to increase its exports and rake in about US$53.2 million into the country.

Manicaland — a gateway to Mozambique — has good climatic conditions that make it ideal to produce diversified crops like macadamia nuts, tea, avocados, coffee, herbal tea, pineapples, cut flowers, bananas peas, carrots, cauliflower, sweet potatoes and stone fruits, organic ginger, turmeric and garlic, among others, with the ability to thrive in the export markets.

Horticulture is one of the export low-hanging fruits for businesses and communities in Manicaland, and the sector has immense potential to gain a strong global competitive position, thereby providing substantial social and economic benefits to the province and the country at large.

Further to this, the global markets for organic horticultural products remain attractive, and Manicaland has the potential to take over supply of the global horticulture market as production of fruits and vegetables drifts away from industrialised nations.

The current boon in avocado exports comes at a time Manicaland has been steadily increasing its avocado exports from 2 746 tonnes in 2017 to 5 806 tonnes in 2021.

The increase is due to improved production and new smallholder farmers planting more trees, making Zimbabwe the fifth largest exporter of avocados in Africa.

Of late, there has been massive investments in the horticulture sector, which has resulted in improved productivity on the farms and estates, particularly through joint ventures. Buoyed by the new investments in the horticultural sector, the country is expected to lead the pack in the near future.

Zimbabwe’s horticultural produce is on high demand in countries like the Netherlands, South Africa, China, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

Among the latest investments in the sector

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the moment. We are appealing to Zimbabwe, family and friends to help us so that our brother’s remains are brought home,” said the man.

Efforts to contact Moreblessing Nyakunu on WhatsApp were fruitless as her phone was unreachable.

When The Manica Post visited the Nyakunu homestead in Bvirindi Village on Tuesday afternoon, Moreblessing’s mother, Mrs Loveness Nyakunu and her two sisters were struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

Mrs Nyakunu described her daughter as a moody and violent person.

“I do not want to lie, Moreblessing is a violent person and always clashed with her sisters, but we never thought that things would come to this. We never thought she would murder her husband and I was shocked when I heard of this sad development. I passed out and had to be rushed to the clinic where I was resuscitated,”said the elderly woman.

She said they approached the Mtukwa family on Monday to extend their condolences.

“When my daughter last called me, she said she had an altercation with her husband and he was admitted in hospital. Since then, her phones have been off and we cannot reach her. What she has done has left us in a big mess. I do not know how we will be able to raise the money that the Mtukwa family wants for the body to be repatriated to Zimbabwe,” she said amid sobs.

Moreblessing’s brother, Mr Tinashe Nyakunu said they are also looking for her.

“Moreblessing should come out of hiding and face the music. Yes, she erred, but she is still our sibling. She should surrender herself to the authorities so that the world knows the truth,” he said.

He also appealed to well-wishers to help them raise funds to repatriate Moses’body.

For assistance, Mr Davison Mtukwa can be contacted on +263774411748. Those willing to help with cash can also send money to his EcoCash account on that same number.