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Elton Manguwo
THE country’s trade development and promotion agency ZimTrade is seized with incorporating rural farmers into the export business in a move that is set to grow the country’s trade volumes as nation targets to achieve US$7 billion export revenue this year.
ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru said the integration of small-scale farmers into the exports practice was testament to the organisation’s mandate to grow the export market through increased production.
“We focus on capacity building by teaching the farmers on market penetration, value addition, branding and packaging as they are key for businesses to succeed in exports,” said Mr Majuru.
International buyers are actively seeking reliable suppliers from around the globe to guarantee an uninterrupted supply of horticultural products in the markets.
The country’s good climatic conditions present a unique opportunity for local businesses to explore Europe as the leading destination for horticultural produce.
“Good weather and climate gives Zimbabwe an advantage on the export market,” said Mr Majuru highlighting how export markets pay premium prices organic produce.
The Government is targeting to grow the horticulture industry into a US$1, 2billion sector by 2025 through the Presidential Horticulture Scheme that seeks to benefit 1, 8 million households while complementing rehabilitated irrigation schemes.
“We are engaging Nyamaropa Irrigation scheme in Nyanga to help them export their horticultural produce to regional and international markets,” said Mr Majuru.
The rural demography represents 61 percent of the country’s population, therefore the involvement of small-scale farmers is important towards growing the production rate.
According to the Trade map, revenue from horticultural produce grew from US$251 billion in 2017 to US$298 billion in 2021.
In 2021 Europe accounted for US$123 billion, Asia US$88 billion and the United States of America US$44 billion.
This makes European markets for fresh produce the biggest in providing a stable consumption market.
In addition, Zimtrade is pushing for the establishment of clusters within producing areas to ensure the upliftment of rural communities.
They have since managed to form production clusters in Chimanimani to export pineapple.
In a recent twitter posting, Zimtrade highlighted how there was growing demand for fresh produce in Europe and how they had brought in a buyer from Germany to familiarise with farmers while guiding them on compliance.
The consumption trends in the export market are shifting from staple products towards more value added, convenient and healthier alternatives.
The Government is on record encouraging agro-processing industries to value add products and tap into the combined US$1, 1 billion Dubai’s growing appetite for baked foods, snacks and confectionery products.
The country’s primary production industry should renovate itself to meet market demands and standards, as it is crucial for suppliers to meet the export markets’ demand for high quality products.
Online Reporter