tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
FARMERS have been urged to grow nutritious indigenous fruits such as the African horned cucumber (magaka), which fetch high prices on the international market.
The call was made by Mr Anglistone Sibanda, the chief executive officer of Green Afrique Technologies, a local horticulture firm that specialises in production and export of high-value fruits.
“Farmers are sitting on gold,” he said.
“High-value fruits such as the dragon fruit are in great demand in the United States and the rest of Europe. The good news is that most high-value fruits are easy to grow.”
Also known as the kiwano melon, the African horned cucumber can flourish in the wild.
Kiwano, dragon and passion fruits are among the highly sought-after and expensive fruits because of their high nutrition levels and health benefits.
“Since the fruits are highly nutritional, the farmers themselves can also enjoy these health benefits,” added Mr Sibanda.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter