Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu, [email protected]
SOLUSI University has begun extensive land preparation ahead of its anticipated large-scale 2026 summer cropping programme after failing to utilise the recently concluded winter cropping season due to logistical challenges.
Speaking to Zimpapers, the university’s Farm Manager, Mr Trevor Mupofu, said the institution is planning a significant expansion of its agricultural activities, with more than 150 hectares earmarked for maize production, over 100 hectares for wheat, more than 40 hectares for soya beans, and over 20 hectares for tomatoes and onions, among other horticultural crops, at Mananda Farm.
The development forms part of the university’s broader strategy to fully utilise its vast agricultural land resources and enhance revenue generation through agricultural production.
Mr Mupofu said the university is already producing a range of horticultural crops that are being supplied to the institution’s cafeteria, surrounding communities in Tsholotsho, the Bulawayo market and nearby rural areas.
“We are currently selling cabbages, which are ready for the market, and we also have tomatoes that will begin being supplied next week. There is another tomato crop, the Star 9011 variety, which we expect to supply to the market in early July.
“Additionally, we are currently harvesting green mealies, which we are also supplying to our markets. All this produce is coming from our smaller farm located around the campus, while the larger farm has not yet been utilised.
“We are confident that once we begin production at the larger farm, we will be able to supply cereals even to the Grain Marketing Board. Everything required to support large-scale farming operations is now in place, apart from a few final touch-ups,” he said.
Mr Mupofu said the irrigation infrastructure at Mananda Farm is now fully operational. He added that the smaller farm around the campus has also been equipped with a functional drip irrigation system, marking a significant milestone in the university’s agricultural development programme.
“We reclaimed a substantial portion of land around our smaller farm and installed a functional drip irrigation system. It is from this land that we are producing the horticultural crops currently being sold to our markets,” he said.
These developments answer questions that have been raised regarding the utilisation of agricultural equipment donated to Solusi University by Sakunda Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, and other well-wishers during a graduation ceremony four years ago.
With infrastructure now largely in place and preparations underway at the larger Mananda Farm, Mr Mupofu said the university expects to significantly increase agricultural production and strengthen its contribution to food security and revenue generation.
