Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
LOCAL farmers have been implored to shift towards commercial production and value addition of agricultural produce in a bid to boost the sector’s contribution to the national gross domestic product (GDP).
The second edition of the Mashonaland Central Province Investment Conference, running concurrently with the provincial agriculture show, has revealed solid performance of agriculture in the province, particularly maize, soya bean, and Irish potato production.
However, trade promotion body ZimTrade emphasised that more revenue can be realised if farmers tap into international markets through value addition and targeted exports.
“Horticulture has an extensive export market, but Zimbabwe’s share is still very small. There are products in high demand in markets like the EU, UK, China, and the Middle East, such as blueberries, avocados, citrus, and macadamia. We are not only focusing on horticulture, but also on value addition of our produce,” ZimTrade representative, Ms Natalie Franciko said.
In a show of government commitment to rural transformation, Mashonaland Central province has seen substantial infrastructure investments, with over 140 Village Business Units established, more than 330 boreholes sunk, and four major dams under construction.
“Mashonaland Central has a significant endowment of natural resources and abundant human capital. There is a need to attract innovative investment and collaborate with the private sector so that our provincial economy grows,” Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo noted.
The business expo catalysed networking, showcasing opportunities in agriculture as companies illustrated the potential impact of contract farming on export growth.
“Our target is for all people to come and hear such information as we heard that our GDP can increase from 33 percent, which means there is a gap that farmers must know so that our products are accepted and give more value,” Mashonaland Central Agriculture Show Society Secretary General Mr Josphat Mukwena expressed.
“As Montgomery processors, we would love farmers to grow for us. If each household in Mashonaland Central were to grow for us close to 32 000 households growing Michigan peas, it basically means we can supply the export market,” Manager Montgomery Agri Supply Chain, Mr Micheal Muganhi added.
With increased collaboration, infrastructure development, and investor engagement, the province is poised to become a beacon of agri-business growth and rural transformation in line with the national development strategy blueprint.
