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Walter in Masvingo
MASVINGO province is set to plant 10 million lemon fruit trees as the demand for lemon fruit, a raw material used by Schweppes Limited, has been increasing.
Speaking during a tour of Masvingo Forestry Commission last week, the Minister of Water Resources Development and Climate Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the demand for lemons was high in the country hence local farmers must take advantage of the emerging opportunities to plant more trees.
“Schweppes Limited, a local company, is importing lemons yet we have the potential to produce them here. The company uses the lemons for production of their drinks and Masvingo should, for a start, plant 10 million lemon trees,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She urged the Forestry Commission to partner with indigenous groups in coming up with a nursery for the trees so that local people can also benefit.
“You should make use of the local youths who are involved in the environment awareness programmes so that our people also benefit. You have the chance to make money from such initiatives and I urge the Forestry Commission to take advantage of this programme and start as soon as possible, to set up nurseries of lemons.
“The province has the potential to be rich if you utilise such chances at your disposal. Imagine the China buys oranges or avocados at between $2 and $5 and have requested Zimbabweans to supply,” she said.
Forestry Commission branch manager Ms Mwaamba Mapanda said the commission has engaged some youth groups who provide them with seedlings of indigenous fruit trees and their partnerships have gone a long way in boosting its (organisation) project.
“There are some youth groups whom we have engaged. They have brought us mangoes and avocados for our nursery. We buy the seedlings from them and thus creating employment for our youths in Masvingo. We have created a good working relationship with the groups and our aim to plant 10 million lemon trees is achievable,” said Ms Mapanda. -@walterbmswazie3
derick.khumalo