Online ReporterGeorge Maponga
Masvingo Bureau
VILLAGERS from Mwenezi and surrounding areas are set to earn nearly US$20 000 from the sale of approximately 400 tonnes of wild mapfura (marula) fruit to the processing plant at Rutenga Growth Point.
The annual harvest of the wild fruit began in mid-January and is expected to conclude mid-next month, providing a significant economic boost for the community.
The processing plant owned by the National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe has already received over 90 tonnes of marula fruit, with more deliveries anticipated as the community goes out to gather the still ripening fruit.
Favourable rainfall has contributed to a bumper crop, leading to projections of a record intake of close to 400 tonnes by the end of the harvesting season.
Over 1 000 villagers, including many formally unemployed youths, are actively participating in this lucrative venture.
Dr Dexter Savadye, NBTAZ’s chief executive, announced that the plant had purchased 90 tonnes of the fruit so far, paying out approximately US$4 500.
“By the time the buying season ends mid of next month, we anticipate to have purchased 360 tonnes of mapfura/marula from villagers in and around Mwenezi,” he said.
NBTAZ is enhancing its research efforts to improve the quality of products derived from mapfura/marula, such as cosmetic oils, wines, and animal feed.
Plans are underway to obtain a commercial export license, aiming to tap into lucrative international markets.
Dr Savadye also mentioned ongoing research into more products, including cosmetic oils, with improvements in scent and quality expected by next month.
He noted plans to commercialise mapfura/marula brandy by mid-year, with charcoal briquettes launching by May this year and vinegar and bio-oils anticipated by September.
Future plans include expanding the availability of mapfura/marula nurseries and establishing plantations to ensure a sustainable supply of the fruit.
Additionally, the initiative aims to empower rural communities in districts like Mberengwa, Gwanda, Zaka, Bikita, and Chiredzi, where the fruit is abundant.
The Rutenga processing plant, inaugurated by President Mnangagwa in 2021, aligns with the Education 5.0 initiative, which emphasises the use of local resources to enhance economic growth through research and innovation.
