Online ReporterThupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
IN the sun-drenched fields of Beitbridge, a quiet revolution is taking root.
Smallholder farmers are swapping traditional practices for innovative strategies that embrace high-value crops and market-led farming.
The transformative shift is not just about growing food; it’s about cultivating a brighter future.
At the heart of this change is the rising popularity of chilli (paprika), a crop that’s capturing attention with its robust market demand in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Central to this agricultural evolution is Spice Junxion, a vital partner in the journey towards economic empowerment.
With their commitment to supplying high-quality seeds and guaranteeing to buy back the produce at an impressive rate of US$1,50 per kilogram, Spice Junxion is helping farmers turn their aspirations into reality. As these individuals embrace new opportunities, the local economy stands on the cusp of rejuvenation, fueled by the promise of high-value farming.
So far, 13 farmers from Wards 4, 6 and 12 have successfully planted 10 hectares of chillies, with aspirations to expand cultivation to the remaining 15 rural wards.
During a recent field visit to Jopembe in Ward 4, Spice Junxion chief executive officer Mr Preacher Chemhere, discussed the positive impact of this initiative on the local economy and the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
He noted that the company has equipped farmers with seeds of the Tejaswini variety and fertilisers, in addition to providing hands-on training facilitated by the Department of Agriculture’s extension services.
“The climatic conditions in Beitbridge are ideal for chilli farming, and we are already working on expanding this initiative to other wards,” Mr Chemhere said.
“We support the Government’s goal of improving rural economies from the grassroots level and have engaged the Department of Agritex to help build farmers’ capacity to produce quality products.”
One of the main objectives of this project is to encourage farmers to focus on cultivating crops that have a ready market, which minimises the risk of resource wastage.
“In this case, this breed of Tejaswini, an Indian variety, has a ready market in Zimbabwe and South Africa,” said Mr Chemhere.
Expectations are high for the farmers who planted at the same time, as they anticipate harvesting and selling their produce simultaneously from central points in their wards.
This coordinated approach aims to maximise efficiency and ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops.
“We are providing the farmers with the start-up propagating material; we started around May and expect the farmers to harvest at least 3 tonnes and above per hectare,” Mr Chemhere added.
“Chilli farming is a lucrative venture, with chillies being a versatile crop that can thrive in various soils and climatic conditions.”
The demand for chillies remains high, both locally and internationally, making it an attractive crop for farmers seeking to enhance their incomes. Mr Chemhere said Spice Junxion will continue to offer the necessary support to ensure that farmers remain productive.
“Already, we are seeing good signs on the ground,” he said.
A farmer from Jopembe Village, Ms Violet Sibanda, shared her positive experience with chilli farming. Transitioning from traditional cash crops, she decided to explore chilli production after attending a training programme that emphasised the benefits of market-led agriculture.
Ms Sibanda has planted 0,2 hectares of chillies, a project she initiated in September this year.
“In previous years, we focused on traditional cash crops, but the challenge we are facing now is that everyone is planting the same crops like maize and vegetables, which have already flooded local markets,” she explained.
“That is not sustainable, and hence we all need to diversify to market-led production. Growing crops for a ready market is motivating, and I am looking forward to improving my revenue stream from this chilli crop. I also plan to expand the area I cultivate.”
Another smallholder farmer from Ward 4, Mr Africa Shoko, echoed her sentiments, noting that he has cultivated chillies on 0,5 hectares and intends to expand the area as well.
He said in addition to receiving training and input support from the Government and its partners, he has conducted his own market research that confirms overwhelming demand for chillies within the country.
“I am excited about the potential this crop brings,” Mr Shoko shared.
“With the support we have received, I am confident it will contribute positively to my income.”
Mr Abel Mbedzi from Malala is also gearing up to produce chillies in the upcoming cropping season. The acting district agricultural extension services officer, Mr Douglas Ncube, said: “We are piloting this project on 10 hectares in Beitbridge, starting with 13 farmers from three wards, and we hope to extend to the other 12 wards.
“Chilli is a high-value crop, and we are pleased with the progress we are making. This is in line with our training initiatives that encourage farmers in this district to focus more on high-value crops and market-led production.”
Beitbridge district economist, Mr Gugu Moyo, praised the efforts of Spice Junxion and Agritex in promoting market-led production.
He highlighted how this approach aligns with the ongoing Village Business Units initiative, which aims to uplift rural communities.
“This concept fits well into the rural industrialisation and value chain transformation that the Government is rolling out.
“It is impressive that we have started this project when the national development strategy speaks about value chain transformation and the development of green areas that can feed rural industries.
“There are many opportunities in the chilli value chain that will improve income streams at the household level in rural areas.”
