Story by Tendai Munengwa
CHRISTON BANK – ZIMBABWE’S horticulture sector is firmly on a growth trajectory, with government projecting it to become a US$2 billion industry by 2030, following a series of policy interventions aimed at revitalising the once-declining industry.
The turnaround comes under the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which has seen exponential growth in key high-value crops.
This Wednesday, senior government officials and agricultural stakeholders convened in Christon Bank, just outside Harare, to assess the milestones achieved so far under the strategy.
“The sector has recorded tremendous strides since the launch of the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan. Blueberries have grown from virtually zero to nearly 10 tonnes, with a 36% annual growth margin. Pica-nuts and potatoes have also seen significant gains. We now produce enough potatoes to feed the nation, which supports the continued ban on potato imports,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri said.
In addition to commercial crops, the Presidential Horticulture Scheme has empowered over one million households, particularly in rural communities, to grow fruit trees, sweet potatoes and establish nutritious household gardens.
“Through this initiative, sweet potato seed has been distributed to over a million households. The objective is to further empower smallholder farmers to diversify their horticultural practices and enhance their incomes,” Professor Jiri added.
While the sector has set an ambitious target of US$1.5 billion by 2025, stakeholders at the engagement meeting noted that achieving sustainable financial support and infrastructure investment is key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
The government and stakeholders are expected to continue working on refining strategies for value chain development, export competitiveness, and climate-smart horticulture practices, in line with Vision 2030.
