adminBlessing Rwizi
AN estimated 187 small-scale farmers from Nyakomba and Nyamaropa irrigation schemes in Nyanga have exported 272 tonnes of Tabasco chilli to America in a deal estimated at $140 000.
The lucrative move, which is set to transform the fortunes the chilli growers in Nyanga came through the assistance of the International Rescue Committee (IRC)’s Economic Recovery Programme.
However, the farmers had a supply target of 500 tonnes, and their failure to meet the target means nothing was left in Zimbabwe as the whole produce was exported to the US.
The chilli programme, which is in full throttle in Mutasa, Mutare and Nyanga has enabled participating farmers to purchase cattle, farm implements as well as building decent accommodation for their families over the recent years.
IRC is running the programme in partnership with Better Agriculture and Agritex.
The partnership set up a mini-processing plant for fresh chillies at Nyakomba, which was constructed with the aid from the Japanese government through its agency JAICA.
The processing plant has created employment for youths in the area.
The irrigation schemes draw water from the Gairezi River to irrigate the chilli crop.
The income generated from the sale of fresh or processed chilli is used by the farmers to enhance food security, pay for services and generate savings.
Farmers are assisted with seedlings equivalent to cover 0,2 hectares. They also get about 80kgs of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and an assortment of agro chemicals which they withdraw as per need in order to cut the overall input costs.
Nyanga District Agricultural Extension officer, Mr Eshumael Manyuka said the objective of the project is to strengthen the capacity of smallholder farmers to sustainably increase their food security and household income.
“The project is to strengthen the capacity of smallholder producers to sustainably increase their food security and income. The thriving of the project over the years has seen the creation of employment for the youths in the area.
“The target for this year was 500 metric tonnes but the farmers only managed 272. It wasn’t bad though, but we are hoping for the best in this coming year as the farming portions and inputs have been expanded,” said Mr Manyuka.
Nyakomba Irrigation scheme chairperson, Mr William Dhokota said the project had become an oasis of hope for local farmers.
“The project has not only benefitted farmers financially but has also taught them to see farming as business,” said Mr Dhokota.
He said 98 percent of the farmers had managed to repay their loans from the proceeds and this was a testimony that the programme was a success.
Online Reporter