Michael Tome
Business Reporter
THE Horticultural Development Council (HDC) has projected export revenue to reach US$2 billion annually over the next few years, amid expected strong growth in production and strong demand from new markets.
Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports average US$80 million per annum.
Although no time frame has been given for the target, several initiatives are being pursued to ramp up horticultural production in the country.
According to HDC, the US$2 billion target can be achieved through collaboration and input from key stakeholders, including the Citrus Growers Association of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Avocado Growers Association and the Zimbabwe Berry Growers Association.
The horticultural representative organisations are expected to play a vital role in empowering new exporters to reach their full potential.
As part of the plan, HDC is crafting modalities to double the area under citrus production from 4 000 hectares (ha) to 8 000ha, an investment expected to realise an additional US$84 million per year in export revenue.
The blueberry production area is forecast to increase to 1 500ha, from 600ha, with a projected export yield of US$112 million a year.
The area under macadamia is projected to grow to 13 000ha, from 10 000ha; while tea production is forecast to increase to 6 300ha hectares, from 5 300ha.
HDC has also targeted to boost production across various crops. This includes expanding the area under apple production from 500ha to 1 500ha; avocados, from 2 800ha to 5 500ha; and bananas, from 8 000ha to 14 000ha. In addition, HDC sees the area under coffee rising from 680ha to 1 500ha. The area under summer flower is expected to grow to 600ha, from 100ha. These expansion plans demonstrate the council’s commitment to growing Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector and increasing the country’s agricultural output, despite the need for a huge capital outlay.
Zimbabwean horticulture is broadly categorised into three main groups.
The first consists of annual crops, which mature within six to 12 months, like peas, chillies, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, cucurbits, potatoes and brassicas.
The other category comprises perennial crops, which take three to five years to mature. This group includes crops like blueberries, passion fruit, kiwi fruit and various types of flowers.
The last category consists of plantation crops, which take up to seven years or more to mature.
This group includes citrus, avocado, macadamia, pecan and coffee plantations, which demand meticulous planning and management due to their long-term investment nature.
Speaking at a recent ZimTrade Singapore market dissemination workshop, HDC operations manager Mr Mandla Mataure said the target was to reach a major milestone in the horticulture industry in the next few years.
He said the objective underscored the council’s dedication to expanding the sector, seizing new opportunities and enhancing Zimbabwe’s presence in the global market.
“Compared to our regional peers, Zimbabwe is a lot more advanced when it comes to being able to produce horticultural products,” said Mr Mataure.
“Our efforts have resulted in significant growth; export volumes of high-value crops like blueberries, avocados and citrus continue to rise, creating jobs, attracting foreign currency and contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
“We are targeting a significant milestone in the horticulture industry, with a projected annual export value of US$2 billion. This goal reflects our commitment to growing and developing the sector, capitalising on emerging opportunities, and increasing Zimbabwe’s global market share.”
Mr Mataure said HDC collaborated with key associations representing various crops, and producers, ensuring that the majority of horticultural growers in Zimbabwe were represented.
“Through the outgrower schemes and smallholder development programmes, we are committed to revitalising Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry, delivering economic and social progress and ensuring a bright future for horticulture in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Addressing delegates at the just-ended inaugural European Union-Zimbabwe Business Forum, HDC chief executive officer Mrs Linda Nielsen said the horticulture sector held vast potential that could be unlocked through strategic collaboration with the Government and access to long-term financing.
“We have been building, we have very experienced farmers and hubs that work on bringing new players into the industry. As such, we have the potential to be a US$2 billion industry, and working with the EU (European Union) is an opportunity, and through that, we can provide 600 000 jobs,” he said.
“That is the impact, and I am happy to say that ZIDA (Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency) and ZimTrade are on the playing field with us to reach that goal.”
CICADA chief executive officer Mr Nick De Swardt said Zimbabwe had huge untapped potential in horticulture, offering a vast opportunity for expansion and advancement in the sector.
“Zimbabwe is endowed with vast and untapped potential in the horticulture sector, presenting a tremendous opportunity for growth and development,” he said.
“The country’s favourable climate, rich soil and abundant water resources create an ideal environment for cultivating a wide range of horticultural crops.”
He added: “By leveraging these natural advantages, investing in modern farming techniques and implementing effective industry strategies, Zimbabwe can unlock its full potential and become a major player in the global horticulture market.”
Efforts to boost Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports come in the wake of growing global demand for local products from the sector, presenting Zimbabwe with an opportunity to position itself as a key player in the international market.
The country can also ride on the increasing demand for fresh produce and other horticultural products to expand its export base and earn valuable foreign currency.
Under the National Export Strategy, Zimbabwe targets to grow exports by 10 percent per annum.
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