Zimbabwe enjoys favorable climatic conditions and good soils, making it relatively easy for farmers to produce high-end products that can compete in the global export markets. Some claim that president Mnangagwa's government has already been actively working towards creating a robust agricultural sector that can contribute to higher foreign currency earnings, job creation and improved livelihoods, as the country endeavors to achieve an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
In terms of low-hanging fruit in the sector, the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan being implemented by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development prioritizes areas that stimulate export growth. The plan is aimed at growing exports of vegetables to around USS285 million, as well as increase the area under vegetables.
The plan seeks to integrate smallholder farmers and outgrowers into the export market, through mentoring and identification of special horticulture development zones. This means that to release the full potential of the sector, there will be a focus on crops that are easy to grow. This is where peas, as an export crop, come into play.
The Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan earmarks t 333 hectares for peas production, with potential to rake in USS77,4 million in export value in the short term. Peas, therefore, provide options for farmers who want to venture into the export business.
Sugar snap and mangetout peas are the most common varieties grown in Zimbabwe. In international markets such as Europe, these are some of the highly sought-after varieties from developed countries. The mangetout, also known as the snow or sugar pea, is a flat-podded variety that is eaten whole. Sugar snap peas have thick pods that are eaten whole, and they are mainly used in salads and stir-fry recipes.
The growing global demand for peas is anchored in changing eating habits, where people are increasingly moving towards vegetables and organic foods. Both varieties are rich in good protein, which makes them ideal meat substitutes for vegetarians.
Source: sundaymail.co.zw
