Story by Tamuka Charakupa
GOVERNMENT is urging farmers to take up turmeric production as part of efforts to diversify agriculture and tap into rising global demand for high-value crops.
Although the crop presents significant income potential, uptake among local farmers remains low, with authorities now intensifying awareness and support initiatives.
In Chegutu, farmer Mr Bornface Taruvinga is leading by example, hosting a field day at his homestead to share practical knowledge on turmeric production.
“I was motivated by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, who always says ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,’ and that farming should be taken as a business. This crop has the potential to transform farmers’ prospects. Adherence to good agricultural practices is key to achieving a good yield,” he said.
Globally, India remains the leading producer of turmeric but is failing to meet growing demand, creating opportunities for new entrants such as Zimbabwe.
Government, working with private sector players, is now promoting large-scale production, with contractors providing technical expertise, inputs and access to export markets.
“We are blessed with favourable climatic conditions and should take advantage of them. As contractors, we have secured export markets for all our contracted organic farmers. We are therefore partnering with Government to promote turmeric production in response to the rising global demand,” said Turmeric Farming Contractor Mr Jerome Magumbe.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo said farmers stand to benefit from the crop’s high value and diverse uses.
“Turmeric production is a lucrative business with potential for value addition. At least 45 components can be extracted from the crop. Some medicinal properties are also said to help suppress drug cravings, which can aid efforts to combat drug and substance abuse,” she said.
Authorities are also targeting youth participation through land access and skills development programmes aimed at improving productivity and commercialisation.
“We want to ensure that farmers are well-trained in the production of not only turmeric, but also ginger. These are high-value crops, and our priority is to include them in our crop mix. We are emphasising that farming is a business, and this should be reflected through increased production,” said Mashonaland West Provincial Director, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Caristo Masiwa .
Farmers have further been encouraged to adopt organic farming practices to meet export certification standards, as Government expands access to international markets for Zimbabwean produce.
