The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Post Correspondent
FARMERS in Honde Valley have embarked on massive macadamia nuts production following the establishment of an association that is offering them support.
High Value Macadamia Association of Zimbabwe executive director, Mr Elvis Nyanhongo said the association seeks to empower small-holder farmers in line with Vision 2030.
“In February we established macadamia nuts’ nurseries and a farming consultancy in Honde Valley. Due to overwhelming response from the farmers, we established the association in September.
“We have helped more than 600 farmers to link up with the Agricultural Marketing Authority. The association now caters for the needs of registered members.
“We also cater for small-scale growers and we are encouraging them to grow at least 20 macadamia nuts plants as a start,” said Mr Nyanhongo.
He said Honde Valley farmers have the potential to transform their lives through macadamia farming as the area has weather conditions that are similar to those experienced in Chipinge.
Mr Nyanhongo said they are tapping from the expertise of players from the Chipinge macadamia growing hub, where they are also acquiring plants from established farmers.
“We are taking notes from Chipinge farmers and they are providing us with nurseries. We offer free training to interested farmers. We have also partnered with agro-dealers to supply our farmers with chemicals and irrigation equipment. They will recover their investments in due course,’’ said Mr Nyanhongo.
