Zimbabwe Garlic Farmers Take to Global Markets

Zimbabwe garlic farmers in Gutu Central Constituency have entered into a partnership with ZimTrade and local seed houses to increase productivity.

Farmers now export their produce to international markets. The villagers took up garlic production some three years ago under an initiative led by area legislator, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando.

With some households having earned over US$6 000 this year.

“Next year we are looking at putting in 15 tonnes worth of seed. If you look at an average production of 7 tonnes per hectarage we are looking at getting 80 tonnes.

“We are also looking at getting into partnership with SeedCo so that we utilise over 150 000 hectares. We are also looking at chilli production. This is part of the horticulture program that was launched by his Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” said Minister Chitando

The villagers who have also ventured into chilli production are upbeat about future prospects given the way their lives have changed for the better through the project.

Mrs Felistas Dzinoreva, a garlic farmer from Dzinoreva village in Ward 35, said part of the money she realised from the last harvest had enabled her to buy a water pump to start irrigation farming.