Online Reporter
Patience Maturure, Agriculture Reporter
THE horticulture sector has recorded significant growth in blueberry and pecan nut production with exports of the two commodities generating a combined US$66 million in the 2023/24 season.
Blueberry production surged to 8 500 tonnes from 7 944 tonnes, while pecan nut output reached 1 100 tonnes from 983 tonnes marking increases of seven and 12 percent respectively.
In an interview, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri highlighted the sector’s remarkable progress despite ongoing challenges such as drought.
This growth not only showcases the resilience of Zimbabwean farmers but also signals a bright future for horticulture in the region,” he said.
“The country’s horticulture growth and recovery plan is certainly coming to an end. It was running for the past five years and it is now time for us to review it.
“And yes, we have had quite some successes in terms of our horticulture. We have seen growth in 2023/2024 season. We have also seen growth in the years before that and so we can successfully and confidently say that our horticulture sector has recovered.”
According to experts, the sector has seen growth in key areas, including blueberry and pecan nut production.
“We saw our horticulture contracts increasing by 27 percent, thanks to some success stories recorded over the years. Last year, we witnessed some growth in the blueberry sector, which is quite critical. It grew by seven percent.
“We also saw growth in the pecan nut sub-sector, which grew by 12 percent. We subsequently realised enough to see us exporting over 1 100 tonnes of pecan nut, which is quite a feat in this country,” he said.
Prof Jiri added that the horticulture sector required Government support in finance, transport and infrastructure development to achieve its potential growth.
“We need the support of all the Government arms involved in horticulture, the transport sector, ensuring that the road infrastructure is good as we transport to the various markets, ensuring that the air space and air transportation is reliable as we transport the produce to the various markets,” he said.
Prof Jiri said the sector was also targeting growth in the production of avocados, apples, onions and other horticulture products.
“So we are looking at the next phase — the next five years will be really exciting for horticulture. We want our horticulture to keep growing to ensure that we also continue riding on the current success.
“With the right support, Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector is poised to continue on this growth trajectory, both domestically and internationally,” he added.
