Zimbabwe's horticultural sector is fast emerging as a major driving force for the development of agricultural sectors in the country. It is enjoying phenomenal growth and raking in millions of foreign currency for the country. Horticulture exports in 2021 grew by 6,8 percent to US$64,6 million from US$59,5 million recorded in 2020, according to the trade promotion body ZimTrade.
This growth was driven by macadamia nuts exports which contributed US$13,8 million, citrus at USS10,9 million, vegetables at US$4,2 million and flowers at US$3,2 million. The sector has set the country's horticultural sector on growth trajectory fanning hopes for a diversified agricultural sector with increased resilience to shocks on the commodities markets, climate change and other economic factors.
Before the fast track land reform programme, Zimbabwe was one of the top horticultural exporters to the European Union, supplying fresh fruit and flowers to some of the world's leading supermarket chains.
Now, a mix of indigenous farmers and foreign investors are spearheading the horticulture sector recovery and growth. With the right support and investments they are rising to the occasion, stimulating export growth through increased production and exploiting opportunities coming with growing global demand.
Source: herald.co.zw