Favourable market window and climate augur well for export growth
Blueberries could become one of Zimbabwe’s main export crops, contributing to the country’s economic growth. According to a report by ZBC News, plantings in the province of East Mashonaland, in northeastern Zimbabwe, are increasing as it consolidates its position as the country’s main blueberry producing region.
The Zimbabwean government is supporting the development of the sector and encourages investors to increase financing, highlighting the high export potential of blueberries.
Calisto Masiiwa, acting director of agriculture for the province of Mashonaland East, commented: “Zimbabwe has a favourable market window that gives us comparative and competitive advantages. We enter the market before major producers like Peru and Morocco. Furthermore, our climate allows us to cultivate the highest quality blueberries.
“In the province of Mashonaland East, approximately 550ha are dedicated to this crop, and around 16 farmers are showing outstanding results. Yields have increased from 13 to 22 tonnes per hectare, representing remarkable progress. We are seeing farmers expanding production and are inviting new participants to join the sector.”
Masiiwa described the business as “a profitable industry with enormous potential”.
The goal of the Zimbabwean government is for horticulture to become a US$2bn sector by 2030, under the sector recovery and growth plan spearheaded by president Emmerson Mnangagwa.
