Massive rock melon production drive

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT, in partnership with youth empowerment organisations, is launching an ambitious initiative to boost the production of rock melon fruit for export.
This project aims to economically empower 2,2 million young Zimbabweans who are currently not in employment or education.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Mr Solomon Mhlanga said this initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the livelihoods of young people.
Mr Mhlanga revealed that out of 5,4 million youths aged 15 to 25 years, 2,2 million are not engaged in education or employment, highlighting the need for innovative solutions.
Government’s focus on youth empowerment is aligned with Vision 2030, which prioritises the development and participation of young people in national development.
“Youths in Zimbabwe constitute 67 percent of the population. When you look at our population, those 35 and below constitute 67 percent. The youths between 15 and 35 years amount to 5,4 million, according to the ZimStats statistics we have.
“Out of the 5,4 million youths between the ages of 15 to 25, we have got a group that is very significant. That is 2,2 million who are neither in education, nor in employment, nor any kind of schooling. Therefore, we have come together with development partners so that we help the youths of this country so that we reach the 2030 upper middle class economy that we want.
“Picking randomly, one of the projects that we hope will go a long way in empowering and uplifting the economic fortunes of youths is the production of rock melons. One hectare of this rock melon plant will see the farmer harvesting a minimum of 30 tonnes of the fruit. This product is selling at a minimum price of US$2,10 per kilogramme.
“The demand for rock melon fruit, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, is remarkably high and shows no signs of slowing down. We aim to raise awareness among our youths about this and other lucrative opportunities, while also creating platforms for them to harness our country’s natural resources and empower themselves economically,” he said.
Mr Mhlanga said Government and development partners seek to tap into the growing rock melon market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the rest of the Middle East region, where the market has demonstrated a growing appetite for Zimbabwe-grown horticultural produce.
Mr Mhlanga said another key objective of the workshop was to chart a clear path for disseminating information to youths and to establish modalities for facilitating their access to land, essential inputs, and export procedures, despite the majority lacking start-up capital.
Zimbabwe is poised to capitalise on the vast export potential of rock melons, a sweet and nutritious fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family.
Currently grown on a small-scale, rock melons thrive in the country’s warm, dry summers and mild winters, making them suitable for cultivation across various regions.
The fruit’s unique characteristics, including its rough, netted rind in shades of white, tan, or yellow, and orange flesh, have made it a favourite among health-conscious consumers.
Rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fibre, rock melons offer numerous health benefits.
Globally sought-after, rock melon is a staple in hotels and restaurants, frequently featured in salads and as a refreshing side dish.
This widespread popularity presents lucrative opportunities for market growth and expansion.
The fruit’s versatility in various culinary applications – from revitalising fruit salads and snacks to nourishing smoothies – makes it a favourite among diverse consumer groups, including children, the elderly, and health-conscious individuals.
By scaling up production and tapping into the export market, Zimbabwe can unlock new economic opportunities, and cater to the growing demand for this nutritious fruit.
Mr Mhlanga emphasised on the need to break down silos in youth empowerment programmes.
“The workshop brought together Government representatives, youth organisations and development partners to foster a collaborative approach to youth empowerment. The goal is to eradicate the silo mentality that has hindered progress in youth development initiatives,” he said.
By working together, stakeholders can pool their resources and expertise to create a more impactful and sustainable approach to empowering Zimbabwe’s youth.
Stakeholders can help create opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making processes, access education and training, and develop the skills they need to succeed in life.