Unlocking potential of the horned melon
recent success THE scored by Zimbabwe in surpassing the 2023 export target of US$7,2 billion is indicative of dividends from programmes to grow the visibility of local products in regional and international markets.
Over the past years, President Mnangagwa’s Government has put on a spirited campaign to grow the number of exporting businesses. As part of this process, national trade development and promotion organisation ZimTrade has been implementing targeted programmes to integrate marginalised communities into the mainstream export business.
In line with the trajectory of “leaving no one and no place behind”, ZimTrade has created export clusters in all provinces across the country, which are targeted at unlocking export value from natural endowments.
The cluster initiative has also been riding on specific skills that have been passed from one generation to the other, including farming and handicraft.
With the renewed interest in catapulting diversified products and services from all districts into foreign markets, ZimTrade is identifying traditional/ indigenous horticultural produce that local communities can leverage on to unlock access to export markets. One of these low-hanging fruits is the horned melon, also known as gaka reminzwa or umhlagahlaga.
About the horned melon
The horned melon, also known as the kiwano melon or African cucumber, is a fruit with the scientific name “Cucumis metuliferus”. The horned melon is a unique annual vine belonging to the cucumber and melon family Cucurbitaceae. Its distinctive fruit is characterised by horn-like spines, which have earned it the name “horned melon”.
It is a highly nutritious fruit containing essential vitamins such as A, B and C.
Additionally, the fruit is rich in antioxidants and is touted as having properties that alleviate symptoms of depression, improve digestion, protect vision and improve bone health, as well as enhance skin health.
Horned melons thrive across all provinces in Zimbabwe and in other Southern African countries. This unique fruit is a valuable part of the local agricultural landscape and plays a significant role in the region’s culinary traditions. The horned melon is testament to the rich biodiversity of Zimbabwe and the importance of preserving and celebrating its natural resources.
Growing horned melons
The horned melon can grow in a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained clay or loamy soils with pH 6,0-6,5.
It requires temperatures of 20°C-30°C for germination and can tolerate up to 40°C. It can perform well with 350mm-600mm of rainfall per year. Seeds of the horned melon can be sown directly or grown in nurseries before being transplanted.
Applying compost manure or inorganic fertilisers is dependent on the state of the soil. The horned melon requires help to grow because it is a climber.
Plants can be trained on a fence or trellis in the field.
The process of harvesting involves selecting the ripe fruits, which might be spread out over several months.
Harvesting immature fruits is another option. Because the fruits can puncture one another with their spikes, they should be stacked in containers in single, distinct layers.
A harvested fruit has a six-month shelf life.
Potential markets
Demand for horned melons has been steadily increasing in various global markets due to their unique flavour and potential health benefits.
Prices as high as US$6 are charged per fruit as they are deemed exotic in some parts of Europe. As a result, it becomes important for exporters to continually assess market trends and consumer preferences to tailor their strategies accordingly.
Understanding consumer demand plays a crucial role in determining export volumes and target regions.
Due to their nature and classification as an exotic fruit, melons are most popular in Germany, the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom. These countries are among the biggest importers.
The export of horned melons involves a comprehensive process encompassing production, quality control, packaging, transportation, international trade regulations, market analysis and strategic planning.
By addressing these key aspects effectively, exporters can tap into the growing global demand for this distinctive fruit while contributing to the expansion of international fruit trade.
Exporting to the European Union
In today’s global business environment, understanding market regulatory requirements is crucial for businesses to operate legally and ethically.
These requirements are designed to ensure fair competition, protect consumers, maintain market stability and promote ethical business practices.
Understanding and complying with these regulations is essential for Zimbabwean exporters to penetrate markets, build trust with stakeholders and foster a positive reputation in the marketplace.
The European Union (EU) remains Zimbabwe’s largest market for horticultural produce. It is also one of the targeted markets for growing exports of horned melons.
Exporters of melons to Europe should ensure that pesticide residues must be below the maximum levels set by the EU.
Quality standards for melons are set by the General Marketing Standards of Regulation (EC) No. 543/2011.
The European market predominantly imports class 1 melons, with little to no defects. The horned melons must be intact, firm, sound and fresh in appearance; clean and free of visible foreign matter; practically free from pests and damage caused by pests; and free of abnormal external moisture, foreign smell or taste. Melons must be packed in standardised cardboard or plastic boxes.
The size of the boxes can be of 5kg, 6kg, 12kg or 13kg. Each box of melons must be labelled with information such as the packer’s and/or dispatcher’s name and physical address, the product’s name and its commercial type (if not evident from the outside), the country of origin, classification, size in terms of minimum and maximum weight or diameter, and a traceability code or officially recognised code mark, such as the Global Location Number or Global GAP number.
As the global economy increasingly focuses on fair and sustainable trade, many buyers will have their own specific requirements. These may include voluntary standards such as Global GAP. Furthermore, buyers may require suppliers to adhere to their social code of conduct and to be certified by a social and environmental standard such as GRASP or SMETA.
For markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and some Asian countries, the export of fresh produce should be accompanied by the certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country (such as the Plant Quarantine Services Institute in Zimbabwe), a copy of the customs manifest, bill of lading or delivery authorisation and a list of contents or invoice.
Additionally, a certificate of analysis for pesticide residues for plant products coming from exporting countries according to the circulars issued by the Department of Agricultural Development and Health should be provided. Voluntary standards such as Global GAP are not a strict requirement in the UAE and most Asian markets.
Some importers may, however, determine the specific standards that are required. So, potential exporters are encouraged to understand buyer requirements prior to production.
Allan Majuru is ZimTrade’s chief executive officer.