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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
LARGE and small-scale farmers in Chipinge have been challenged to play their part in contributing towards the growth of the district’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through venturing into coffee production.
The call was made by the Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Edgars Seenza during an interactive meeting with Chipinge farmers last week on Friday.
Chipinge used to be the leading coffee producer of coffee from commercial to small-scale farmers through the out-growers schemes.
Mr Seenza said economic development should start at the household level, and families must take advantage of the vast economic opportunities in the district.
He said coffee production has the potential to generate the much-needed foreign currency in the country due to its high demand oversees.“We can only grow the district GDP if families improve their incomes. Let us not focus on traditional crops, but let us expand to other commercial crops that have huge returns on investments.
“Coffee has been traditionally regarded as a crop for commercial farmers, but times have changed, and we must encourage our farmers to venture into its production to increase their income,” said Mr Seenza.
“When you go to European countries, you will see our products such as coffee on their supermarkets shelves.
“This shows that this crop is in demand,” he added.
Speaking at the same meeting, representative of Coffee Research Institute, Mr Caleb Mahoya, said coffee is a lucrative crop that can fetch average prices of US$6,50 per kg.
He also said the Coffee Research Institute has enough seed for coffee that can satisfy the demand from those willing to venture into coffee production.
“Coffee Research Institute has experts in place to help farmers in the Eastern Region to grow coffee. We are urging farmers to venture into this lucrative farming and we have enough seed to disburse to all interested farmers,” said Mr Mahoya.
The event was attended by farmers from across the district who showed keen interest in growing the crop.
A development partner, Technoserve, said they will support groups of small-scale farmers who want to venture into coffee production.
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