Online Reporter
Judith Phiri,Business Reporter
THE national trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade has said floriculture is proving to be a viable and high-value enterprise for farmers willing to learn and adapt.
Floriculture is the practice of cultivating plants primarily for their showy flowers and foliage, focusing on efficient production for human enjoyment in various environments.
In recent years, interest in flower farming has grown significantly, particularly in developing countries with favourable climates and affordable labour.
In its latest newsletter, ZimTrade said that while traditionally dominated by large-scale commercial operations, floriculture is no longer out of reach for smallholder farmers.
“In fact, with proper support, organisation and access to markets, small-scale producers can thrive in the flower industry. Traditionally, small-scale farmers have relied on staple crops like maize, groundnuts, beans, and vegetables such as tomatoes and cabbages,” said the agency.
“While these remain essential for food security, their economic returns are often unpredictable and limited by fluctuating market prices, pests, drought, and post-harvest losses.”
It said flowers are high-value crops that can be grown on small plots of land and when managed correctly, can yield significantly higher returns than most food crops.
ZimTrade said a 500-square-meter greenhouse of flowers, for example, can generate more income in a year than an acre of maize, especially when grown for the export market.
“Flowers have a shorter harvest cycle, enabling multiple cuttings per year, which boosts revenue through continuous cash flow. They are often the deciding factor in being considered by premium global retailers or being overlooked in favour of competitors who carry recognizable eco-labels.”
In terms of market, the national trade development and promotion agency said the most lucrative is Europe, which is the world’s largest consumer of cut flowers, with the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom at the top.
While in recent years, the Middle East and parts of Asia have also become important markets, particularly for exotic or tropical varieties.
