Govt to set up processing plant at Hauna

THE Ministry of Women Affairs Community Small to Medium Enterprises Development (MWCSME) has acquired 2 000 square metres of land to set up a horticultural processing plant at Hauna in Mutasa.

THE land was recently handed to the ministry by Mutasa Rural District Council after a stakeholders meeting meant to address challenges that are being faced by horticultural producers in the district.

Acting provincial officer in the ministry, Mr Confidence Mungayi said the land would be used to construct a fruit and vegetable processing plant that will be used by farmers in the area to boost economic growth.

The community project is targeting mostly banana farmers although it will value add and beneficiate any other fruits brought in by farmers.

“Buyers pay low prices for the horticultural produce produced in Mutasa because some farmers produce poor quality crops.

“Currently bananas are being sold $1 for 50 units which is a great disadvantage to the producers.

“When the fruits are processed, there is potential to increase the value and economic gains to the producers,” he said.

Mr Mungayi also said most fruits, among them avocados, pineapples and vegetables, which are produced in Honde Valley, were being transported to Harare and the ministry was keen to ensure that most of the supplies are done in Manicaland.

He said Hauna has abundant banana fields and great potential for fruit processing capable of unlocking regional markets, starting with Mozambique.

The project would also improve the community’s standard of living.

“The ministry will support the farmers by adding value to their products and also invite more buyers for them from within the country and beyond,” he said.