adminTanaka Mahanya
THE horticulture recovery plan is underway to transform the agricultural system by 2025.
This is in line with making Zimbabwe an upper middle income economy by 2030.
In an interview with H-Metro, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, Agricultural Advisory Services chief director, Professor Obert Jiri, said construction work had started.
“Construction work of eight gardens is in progress in Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North, Midlands, Mashonaland West and Manicaland,” he said.
For Masvingo, Mashonaland East and Matabeleland South, production is yet to start.
“The tender for the 118 gardens closed on October 7 2022 and the evaluation procedure is in progress.
“Fencing material for Chief Nenyunga Garden in Gokwe has been procured and will be delivered to the site as soon as transport logistics are addressed.
“Sipambi Nutrition Garden in Masvingo is in the first round of production.
“Currently, there are 0.5 hectares of tomatoes at the fruiting stage, cabbage at 0.25 hectares at heading stage and 0.25 hectares vegetables ready for market.
“They managed to sell some of their produce at Chitima Market. Retail shops, Pick n Pay, Spar and OK, have visited the garden to assess its potential to supply produce to them,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter