The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
CHIPINGE youthful tomato farmer, Mr Kudzai Nyahwedegwe, is among the district’s successful business people.
For Mr Nyahwedegwe (37), the fact that he does not own agricultural land has not deterred him from achieving his goals as he has a lease for a 10-hectare piece of land.
His venture has become a source of living for the 33 people he now employs in Middle Sabi.
Mr Nyahwedegwe’s success hinges on his passion for farming and he has managed to penetrate the neighbouring Mozambique’s market.
A big basket of tomatoes can fetch around US$20 during the winter season.
The price goes up to around US$30 when the commodity is scarce.
He aspires to be a commercial farmer.
His hard work is now being emulated by other young farmers.
“When I was in high school, I enjoyed agriculture. I was a very active student in that subject. I don’t understand why my classmates hated it and preferred other subjects,” he said.
“After completing my ‘O’ Level studies, I did not proceed to ‘A’ Level.
“I ventured into farming. It has been a long journey because I attempted many things without success.
“I tried commercial farming for various crops, but it was not successful. In 2019 I then ventured into tomato production and met the success unexpectedly.
“I remember it was winter then and tomatoes were flooding the market due to high supply. After harvesting, I got a small profit which turned out to be a game changer.
“I invested the little profit to buy more inputs.
“Tomato seed varieties are very expensive, and this is one of the major factors hindering other farmers from venturing into tomato farming.
“Can you imagine that a small pack of tomato seed can cost as much as US$100? That pack only covers 0.25ha, yet l need to cover 10 hectares.
“That was a challenge for me as I was not able to secure a loan from the bank due to lack of collateral,” he said.
“From my second harvest in 2020, I managed to buy more inputs to expand to 10 hectares of tomatoes. I am now employing over 33 youths at my leased farm,” he said proudly.
Mr Nyahwedegwe said if he gets more land, he is willing to increase production.
“The demand for tomatoes is very high because they are used daily. In this region, we have vendors from Mozambique coming here every hour to buy tomatoes for resell in their country.
“The quality of our produce is very good and that has increased demand of our produce. I really need to expand my operations so that I can satisfy the demand.
“If I could get my own land, that would be even better as I will then make permanent investments on it and grow my own empire,” he said.
Mr Nyahwedegwe urged other young people to take advantage of empowerment projects being spearheaded by Government.
“Youths should grab opportunities availed by Government.
“Many youths think that when Government talk about empowerment, it is only targeted at the old guard, yet the youths have a key role to play in the development of this country,” he said.
Middle Sabi Farmers Association chairperson, Mr Skumbuzo Thondhlana said various youth organisations have been impressed by Mr Nyahwedegwe projects.
He said the youthful farmer is complimenting Government efforts to revive horticulture production in the Middle Sabi.
“This farm is now being used as a model farm where we bring in other young people to learn.
“We are impressed because Mr Nyahwedegwe is a young person who has taken a leading role in the economic development of our district.
“If we can more young people who are committed to agriculture like him, then the sector’s contribution to the district Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will increase.
“Through such initiatives, the Middle Sabi is gradually reclaiming its green-belt status,” said Mr Thondhlana.
