The ManicaPost
Emmah Chinyamutangira Business Correspondent
FARMERS in Manicaland have been advised to produce more horticultural crops for export in order to increase foreign currency generation.
Speaking recently during the Transitional Stabilisation Programme Classic 263 dialogue meeting in Mutare, Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) Chairman Mr Basil Nyabadza said horticulture has been progressing well in Manicaland and farmers should engage in more export crops.
“At least from every district, farmers must grow five horticulture export crops such as garlic, pepper, ginger, chilli, tomatoes besides tobacco and cotton.
This will presents quick-win investment opportunities and food surpluses that will see Zimbabwe as a major contributor to agricultural production and regional food security on international level ,”said Mr Nyabadza.
He added that Government should assist these farmers with inputs and open foreign currency bank accounts so that they get paid in forex.
“ Government should also assist farmers with inputs while horticulture production is continuously increasing , tomatoes which were produced last year doubled it ‘s percent as well as bananas increased by 50 percent, tea also increased by 21percent and pepper increased by 24 percent. We wish to attract foreign buyers with our products,” he added.
Ministry of Finance and Eeconomic Development Principal Director for national budget Mr Zvinevamwe Churu said the ministry would take into consideration supporting these farmers with inputs to increase production.
He added that Manicaland can contribute to the country’s economy that hinged on agriculture which feeds a number of industries that process agricultural produce into various foods.
“We take this suggestion of supplying horticulture farmers with inputs for the next season so that we boost economic growth. I would like to assure you that Government will support this idea.
Manicaland has good climate and most diversified natural regions 1- 4 with good soils and dependable annual rainfall ,” said Mr Churu.
Director in the office of Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister of State Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba , Mr Kennedy Mugarisanwa urged farmers to add value to their products by processing the produce.
“ We should do fruit and vegetable processing and when the fruits are processed, there is potential to increase the value and economic gains to the producers while this will reduce importation of fruit juices into the country,” he said.
