Government launches US$66 million horticulture project

This was stated by Vangelis Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development on Monday in Harare during Government engagements with a high-level Danish business delegation.

Anesu January and Anotida Chonzi

THE Government has launched the Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project (HEAP), a US$66,5 million partnership between the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The initiative is meant to develop the horticulture sector.

About 50 000 smallholder farmers are set to benefit from the project.

Speaking at the official launch, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Vangelis Haritatos said HEAP will contribute significantly to food security, nutrition and the country’s gross domestic product.

“The Zimbabwe agriculture revolution train is in motion,” he said.

“We are building Zimbabwe brick upon brick and stone upon stone, leaving no one and no place behind, and ensuring food sovereignty for all.”

As the country pushes forward with the project, HEAP is expected to redefine the landscape of Zimbabwean agriculture, offering rural communities the tools, opportunities and support needed to thrive in a modern and competitive horticulture industry.