By Derick Tsimba

Zimbabwe horticultural exports are set to increase following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ZimTrade and PUM, a Netherlands-based organization, to promote horticulture produce exports, a ZimTrade Chief Executive has said.

ZimTrade Chief Executive, Allan Majuru said this was the second MoU signed between ZimTrade and PUM aimed at growing horticultural exports for Zimbabwe.

Majuru also said PUM, through the Netherlands Embassy in Harare was going to facilitate small scale farmers in Zimbabwe to start the Best Model Farm project to grow horticultural produce for export.

On its Twitter handle, ZimTrade said the Best Model Farm project was launched in January 2019, with ZimTrade and PUM collaborating with three medium-sized farms from Mashonaland East, West and Midlands Provinces.

The four year pilot project when successful should result in the project being replicated in other provinces across the country for small scale farmers to contribute towards export earnings.

During the MoU signing ceremony recently in Harare, PUM Chief Executive, Dick Enerste said the Best Model Farm project has capacity to advance horticultural exports in Zimbabwe.

“This project will go a long way in advancing the horticultural exports initiative through collaboration, it will be a success,” said Erneste.

The Harare Post has learnt that the Netherlands government is a key partner for the horticulture export initiative and will offer financial support towards operationalization of the MoU.

PUM is a volunteer organisation committed to the sustainable development of small and medium-size enterprises in developing countries and emerging markets. PUM offers practical expertise within the most important sectors of the economy, giving primary attention to producers and consumers.