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Precious Manomano, Herald Reporter
As part of the programme to upgrade and formalise Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is developing new regulations for the sector.
This initiative seeks to bring order and quality assurance to the rapidly growing horticulture industry as Zimbabwe strengthens its position in global export markets.
Horticulture is a high-potential growth area, boosting rural incomes, exports, and overall economic stability.
However, AMA CEO Mr Clever Isaya noted that the sector’s rapid expansion has revealed gaps in regulation, quality control, and market consistency, which this new set of regulations intends to address.
The regulations will establish guidelines for production, handling, marketing and export compliance within the horticulture sector. AMA is working closely with the Standards Association of Zimbabwe to ensure that the regulation aligns with international standards, giving Zimbabwean produce a competitive edge in global markets.
“The horticulture sector in Zimbabwe has immense potential, but to unlock this, we need to ensure formality, quality control, and adherence to global standards. These regulations will create a robust framework that protects farmers, attracts investment and enhances our export competitiveness,” said Mr Isaya. The regulations will encompass all in horticulture, including smallholder farmers, commercial growers, processors, and exporters, ensuring accountability and adherence to best practices. It will also introduce penalties for non-compliance — safeguarding the industry from substandard practices that could harm Zimbabwe’s export reputation.
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Horticulture is among Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing agricultural sectors, driven by increasing domestic demand and expanding export opportunities.
The 2024 summer crop plan projects substantial growth in the production of high-value crops like butternuts, tomatoes and chillies, which are in demand in markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. As Zimbabwe diversifies its export base, horticulture has emerged as a vital contributor to exports.
The plan emphasises the necessity for high-quality produce that meets international standards, a goal that this new regulation will facilitate.
Mr Isaya highlighted that for smallholder farmers, who represent a significant portion of horticulture producers, the regulations will provide a formal structure that helps them access markets easily.
AMA’s mandate to connect farmers with markets will be reinforced by the regulations, ensuring that small-scale growers benefit from the sector’s growth. The formalisation of the sector will also create opportunities for skills training, certification, and improved access to inputs and technology.
These measures will assist smallholder farmers in increasing yields and meeting export quality requirements, thereby boosting incomes and improving livelihoods across rural communities.
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