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George Maponga in Masvingo
The National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe has formally applied to Mwenezi Rural District Council requesting 10 000 hectares of land to establish a Mapfura plantation to ensure an adequate supply of fruit for their processing factory at Rutenga.
National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe wants to develop the plantation along the banks of the perennially flowing Mwenezi River where water for irrigation is guaranteed.
Mr Noel Marimo the plant engineer at Rutenga Mapfura factory says they want to run the processing venture sustainably by making sure there are enough raw materials to produce oils and wines.
Mwenezi Rural District Council chief executive Mr Albert Chivanga said his local authority is ready to consider the request by the National Biotechnology Authority stressing that the company runs a flagship industry for the sprawling growth point.
This year, villagers delivered nearly 300 tonnes of Mapfura fruits to the processing factory with reduced deliveries blamed on the El Nino-induced drought.
In its maiden Mapfura fruit-buying season the Authority purchased over 1 000 tonnes from villagers but the figures have been plummeting amid fears climate change is choking the availability of the wild fruit, which is ubiquitous in arid areas like Mwenezi,Chivi and Chiredzi.
Online Reporter