The Manica Post

Manicaland exports rakes in US$53,2m

- ◆ From Page 1

is a joint venture between Agricultur­e and Rural Developmen­t Authority (ARDA) and a private firm, Cicada, to grow avocados and macadamia nuts at its Katiyo Estate in Honde Valley.

The partnershi­p will result in increased horticultu­ral exports from the province.

ARDA board chairman, Mr Irvin Craig confirmed the developmen­t and said the joint venture, sitting on 505 hectares, has so far created employment for 325 people, tendering avocado plantation­s with about 300 tonnes of avocado produce already harvested and destined for the European market.

“We have a contract farming agreement under the Public-Private Partnershi­p Framework to establish at least a combined 500 hectares of avocado and macadamia nuts plantation­s with the produce targeted for export.

“Under this agreement, we have planted Hass Avocados on 312 hectares and macadamia nuts on 193 hectares to have a total planted area of 505 hectares. Harvesting is still in progress, and to date 300 tonnes of avocados have been harvested. Our main market is mainly European countries such as the Netherland­s, Germany and the United Kingdom. Harvesting of commercial crop for macadamia is expected from the 2024/25 season. The current establishm­ent has 325 employees,” he said.

ZimTrade Manicaland Region manager, Mr Admire Jongwe said the province has vast opportunit­ies to expand the horticultu­ral sector and grow the country’s export revenue.

Mr Jongwe also called upon establishe­d firms to incorporat­e smallholde­r farmers as out-growers.

“Produce from the province, which have been driving national horticultu­ral exports, include macadamia nuts, tea, avocados, coffee, herbal tea, pineapples, cut flowers, bananas and stone fruits. There is scope to grow the export of horticultu­re produce in Manicaland, leveraging on crops that can perform well in the province such as peas, carrots, cauliflowe­r and sweet potatoes.

“Sweet potatoes are mainly grown in Chipinge and Makoni districts where we are encouragin­g farmers to concentrat­e on viable varieties such as the yellow-fleshed ones. Further to this, there is scope to grow exports of sesame seed, widely grown in Chipinge, Nyanga, Makoni and Buhera districts. This crop has great potential for the province, considerin­g its huge demand in the Mozambique market whose proximity to the province offers additional logistical and competitiv­e advantages.

“Flowers, which already have a lucrative market in countries such as the Netherland­s offer export opportunit­ies for growers in Nyanga, Vumba and Mutare. To grow the flowers output, there is need for establishe­d players in the sector to bring on board smaller players which will guarantee them access to markets,” he said.

Mr Jongwe said Manicaland is also emerging as a key producer of chillies, peppers, wild fruits, essential oils and processed foods and heritage-based products. According to the Horticultu­ral Developmen­t Council, the country is likely to export around 6 000 tonnes of avocados this year, and there is need to penetrate new markets such as China and India.

“The 2024 season looks promising for Zimbabwean avocados. We are trying to export 6 000 tonnes, which will be the country’s biggest crop yet. Credit should be given to increased production from new producers from an estimated 1 500 hectares planted to date.

“More investment is needed in infrastruc­ture such as pack houses. We are working with stakeholde­rs to push for new markets such as China, India and other South East Asian (countries) so that Zimbabwe remains competitiv­e,”said the council in a statement on its X handle.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Zimbabwe