Story by Gay Matambo
CHIREDZI – THE availability of quality seedlings on time has been cited as key to boosting horticulture production to ensure national food security.
In response to this need, agronomist Ms Shumirai Muva has established a thriving seedling nursery project at Save Growth Point in Chiredzi East Constituency. The initiative is playing a significant role in the success of horticultural ventures across the district and beyond.
“I established this nursery in March last year after realising that many farmers in Chiredzi were struggling to access suitable seed varieties. Previously, they had to travel long distances to Harare, Gweru or Bulawayo. I saw the need to start a project that would provide seedlings adapted to our local climatic conditions,” she said.
Her nursery supplies a variety of crops including cabbage, tomatoes, onions, leafy vegetables, and watermelons to farmers in Chiredzi, the wider Masvingo Province, and parts of Manicaland.
Farmers who spoke to the ZBC News while purchasing seedlings at the nursery concurred that the production of healthy, uniform seedlings has ensured better crop development and productivity.
“We used to travel to as far as Masvingo and Harare for seedlings and sometimes, the seedlings would wilt along the way, but now that we have this nursery close to us, life has been very easy,” a farmer said.
“We are now able to do our horticultural practices without any challenges because healthy seedlings are available at any time and closer to us,’ another added.
Beyond improving food production, the project is creating employment and upskilling local community members, particularly women.
“We are not just benefitting from the salaries we are paid here, but we are also acquiring skills and knowledge on how to breed seeds. Maybe in the future, we will be able to nurse our own seeds for our gardens as well,” an employee said.
“As a rural woman, employment opportunities are rare. This job has allowed me to support my family, and I am proud to be part of this initiative,” another shared.
The government identified horticulture as one of the key sub-sectors of the economy that will contribute 10 percent to the Gross Domestic Product in line with Vision 2030.
