Vusumuzi Dube
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE country’s avocado industry is poised for substantial growth with projections indicating a record-breaking harvest of 6 000 tonnes this year and a surge in exports.
The optimistic outlook follows the recent reaffirmation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Co-operation between Zimbabwe and China, solidified by the signing of 17 significant agreements.
Notably, the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development presents a golden opportunity for Zimbabwean avocado growers to tap into the lucrative Chinese market, one of the world’s largest consumers of the popular fruit.
The Framework Agreement is a protocol for phytosanitary requirements for the exportation of Zimbabwean fresh avocados to China. Phytosanitary refers to the measures used to control plant diseases.
Responding to questions from Sunday News Business, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri said Zimbabwe offers favourable climatic conditions for the production of avocado, which requires moderate temperatures in moderately humid conditions.
“Farmers in Zimbabwe focus mainly on the production of the variety Hass for export. Hass has a rich, nutty flavour and buttery creamy texture. Its medium to large fruit ranges between 140 grammes to 336 grammes.
“There is, however, such a wide range of varieties of avocado produced in Zimbabwe and these include Cocktail, Bacon, Fortuna, Geada, Breda, Margarida, Ryan, Esther, Fuertes, Maluma Hass, Gwen and Pinkerton,” he said.
“This wide array of varieties reflects that Zimbabwe has massive potential in the export market since it has something that fits whatever taste and preference of the buyer.”
He said the major producing areas that offer suitable climatic conditions for avocado production are Manicaland Province (Chipinge, Chimanimani, Mutasa and Mutare districts), Mashonaland Central (Bindura, Mazowe and Guruve districts), Mashonaland East (Marondera District) and Mashonaland West.
Prof Jiri said the country has 2 718 hectares of avocado with a production of 125 028 tonnes.
“Zimbabwe is currently exporting approximately 5 579 metric tonnes. This volume is expected to increase with the new export opportunities unlocked with China and other markets. In 2023, the country earned about US$1,9 million from avocado exports,” said Prof Jiri.
He said local production for export was mainly being done by corporate entities and large-scale farmers with huge scope for small-scale farmers to contribute significantly in this sub-sector.
The Permanent Secretary said the involvement of small-scale farmers will provide an opportunity for them to benefit and improve their livelihoods, while there was a need to look into issues to do with improving access.
“We need to improve access to planting materials, technical research and extension services, post-harvest and handling facilities, provision of marketing information and logistics support to ensure the delivery of high-quality produce. The venture also requires high input injection and there is a need to establish appropriate funding models. These can be points of intervention where investment is needed,” he said.
In a statement, Horticultural Development Council (HDC) chief executive officer (CEO), Ms Linda Nielsen said the signing of the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development protocol requires strategic intent to meet the strict requirements of the Chinese market.
She said horticulture producers are ready to discuss investment requirements.
“The signing of this protocol delivers a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe to take advantage of the vast Chinese market. Zimbabwe is projected to produce a record 6 000 tonnes of avocados in 2024.
“The volume of exports to China will depend on the terms outlined in the new protocol, particularly sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, and the associated costs for exporters. The avocado industry plans to increase hectares from the current 1 500 hectares to 4 000 hectares by 2030,” she said.
Ms Nielsen said this growth was a critical component of the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, which aims to develop the horticulture sector into a US$1 billion industry.
In addition to the signing of the protocol for avocados, she said HDC was pro-actively working with stakeholders to pursue similar protocols for blueberries, pecans, and macadamia nuts for the Chinese market.
While Zimbabwe is the fifth largest avocado producer in Africa, it is now the fourth African country to meet the strict Chinese requirements to export avocados, alongside Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu