US$450 000 banana processing plant for Hauna
THE first phase of the construction of the US$450 000 banana powder/flour processing plant at Hauna Growth Point in Mutasa has commenced, and is expected to offer a lasting solution to challenges faced by horticultural producers in the province.
The processing plant, the first in Manicaland, will extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by reducing spoilage and increasing the time they can be stored and consumed, making them available yearround by preserving them in different forms such as frozen, canned, or dried. It will also reduce the risk of food-borne illness by eliminating harmful bacteria and other pathogens as well as reduce food waste by making use of fruits and vegetables that may be too ripe, damaged or unsold in their fresh state.
The initiative, poised to directly benefit 600 farmers and provide sustainable support to over 2 000 others from Mutasa, Nyanga and other adjacent districts, was recently announced during a post-Cabinet briefing by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere.
Dr Muswere said the project is backed by a US$450 000 grant facilitated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) via the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to the Government.
It is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small to Medium Enterprises after securing the land for its construction in 2018.
“The project is set to benefit 600 farmers directly and sustain more than 2 000 other farmers from Mutasa, Nyanga and many other districts in Manicaland,” said Dr Muswere.
Despite facing delays since its inception in 2018, the project is now gaining momentum, offering enduring solutions to the intricate challenges encountered by horticultural producers in the province.
Mutasa District stands out as a major producer of bananas and avocados, among other fruits, yet farmers grapple with numerous obstacles hindering production.
Manicaland provincial development officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small to Medium Enterprises, Mr Gabriel Jaji said the business will not only serve the interests of farmers from Mutasa, but the whole nation.
Mr Jaji said the establishment of the plant is expected to primarily empower women and youths in agriculture.
“The processing plant was registered successfully, and now the work has started. When all phases of the project are finished, horticulture producers will be linked to lucrative local, regional and international markets,” he said.
Mr Jaji said the processing plant will be used to boost economic growth and address challenges currently being faced by horticultural producers in the province.
“It will also address market and transport challenges because our farmers have been paying exorbitant transport fares to get to markets in Mutare, Harare or Bulawayo. At the end of the day, their profits were being eroded through exorbitant transport and other costs incurred as they take their produce to the markets in the different cities.
“We engaged farmers on the kind of plant they needed, and they suggested the setting up of a banana powder/flour plant.
A farmer can sell banana flour for at least US$20 per kilogramme, which is way better than selling raw bananas for peanuts,” he said.
Mr Jaji said the processed products will ensure that farmers access high value markets like supermarkets and avoid being ripped off by some unscrupulous middlemen.
He also said Government took a leaf from other successful projects already running across the country like the Tasimudzirwa Women’s Gold Milling Plant in Guruve, the Madora Amacimbi Plant in Beitbridge and a tomato processing plant in Mutoko before setting up this project.
As expectations mount for its operation, farmers in Mutasa and neighbouring districts have ramped up banana and avocado production.
Local farmers like Ms Mazvita Murapa and Miss Chiratidzo Mawoyo eagerly anticipate the plant’s completion, foreseeing improved returns and reduced logistical costs.
Ms Murapa said there is a huge difference between current market prices of raw produce and market value of processed products.
Ms Murapa said bananas are selling for US$0.10 per kg at the markets in Harare and Mutare, which is a far cry from what they will get once the processing plant is in full throttle.
Miss Mawoyo said the processing plant will help reduce poverty among women and youths.
She decried huge losses incurred when vehicles carrying their highly perishable products to the market are involved in road accidents or have breakdowns.