Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
SMALLHOLDER farmers in Beitbridge District have started shifting from traditional crops to high-value horticulture, taking advantage of strong local and regional markets, especially in Zimbabwe and South Africa, for commercial chilli (paprika) production.
The initiative, supported by Spice Junxion, is gaining traction across rural wards, with the company providing seeds, fertiliser and technical support while also guaranteeing a market for contracted farmers. So far, 13 farmers from Wards 4, 6 and 12 have put a combined 10 hectares under chillies, with plans underway to extend the programme to all 15 rural wards.
During a field visit to Jopembe in Ward 4, Spice Junxion chief executive officer Mr Preacher Chemhere said the project is set to boost household incomes, stimulate the local economy and promote sustainable, market-led production.
He said the company supplied the Tejaswini chilli variety, trained farmers in partnership with the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas) and ensured that the crop is well-suited to Beitbridge’s favourable climatic conditions.
Mr Chemhere said they are supporting the Government’s drive to empower rural communities through viable economic activities.
“We are supporting the Government’s thrust of improving rural economies from the grassroots level. So, we have engaged the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services to help build the capacity of the farmers to produce quality products,” he said.
Mr Chemhere said they are providing the farmers with the start-up propagating material having started the programme in May.
He said farmers are expected to harvest at least three tonnes per hectare and will deliver their produce to Spice Junxion at central collection points.
The company introduced the programme after conducting environmental and soil case studies, which confirmed Beitbridge’s suitability for chilli production.
Chillies, Mr Chemhere added, offer strong returns because of their high demand across both domestic and export markets.
“One advantage of this crop is that it performs well under various soil and climatic conditions, making it a lucrative venture for smallholder farmers,” he said.
Many farmers who have started planting chillies say the shift is helping them break away from saturated markets for crops like maize and vegetables.
Jopembe farmer, Ms Violet Sibanda, said she decided to diversify after attending a training session on market-led production.
“I planted 0,2 hectares of chilli in September after realising the benefits of venturing into high-value crops. Most farmers here grow the same crops, so the local market is flooded. With chillies, I expect to boost my income and expand in the coming season,” she said.
Another Ward 4 farmer, Mr Africa Shoko, said he planted 0,5 hectares after conducting his own market research.
“The demand is overwhelming, both locally and regionally. With the training and input support we received, I am confident this project will grow,” he said.
Mr Abel Mbedzi from Malala said he is preparing land to join the programme in the next cropping season.
Acting district agriculture extension officer Mr Douglas Ncube said the project is being piloted on 10 hectares and will gradually expand.
“We are pleased with the progress. This aligns with our drive to train farmers on high-value crops and market-oriented production. Our goal is to see the project rolled out to all 15 rural wards,” he said.
Beitbridge district economist Mr Gugu Moyo said the model being implemented by Spice Junxion and Ardas complements the Government’s Village Business Unit strategy, which aims to transform rural economies through value-chain-driven production.
“This project fits perfectly into the broader rural industrialisation agenda under the National Development Strategy 2. High-value crops like chilli create opportunities for value addition, green enterprise development and sustainable rural incomes,” he said.
Sidumisile Mabena