Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata and Remember Deketeke
THE Government has received two refrigerated trucks to enhance cold chain logistics at the youth-led Mutoko Fruit and Vegetable Hub, a step towards reducing post-harvest losses and improving market access for local horticulture producers.
The trucks were handed over through a partnership between the Government and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), with funding support from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire praised the collaboration.
He said the intervention was particularly timely as Zimbabwe scales up efforts to connect horticultural produce to sustainable local and international markets.
“These trucks complete a key link in the cold chain system, a crucial requirement for meeting market standards in the horticulture sector,” said Minister Machakaire.
“The ministry expresses sincere appreciation for the enduring partnership between Government and the ILO in promoting youth empowerment.”
The refrigerated vehicles are expected to significantly reduce the spoilage of fresh produce caused by lack of cold storage during transportation, a persistent challenge for many smallholder and youth farmers in the area.
The Mutoko Fruit and Vegetable Hub is a flagship agricultural project that consolidates horticultural output from youth farming clusters and connects them to high-volume, reliable markets.
Already recognised as a horticultural stronghold in Zimbabwe, Mutoko is expected to play an even greater role in national food systems through this latest investment.
To maximise benefits from the new infrastructure, Minister Machakaire said the hub’s operations would be restructured to ensure young farmers are meaningfully included in the value chain.
Key among the changes is the creation of youth business clusters designed to meet market demands in both quality and volume.
“The refrigerated vehicles will be used to transport produce while preserving its quality and freshness, allowing young farmers to access markets more effectively and competitively,” Minister Machakaire said.
He added that engagements were underway with private sector players to align the hub’s operations with real market demands and ensure commercial viability.
