Christine Lethokuhle Mabhena and Derick Tsimba

Zimbabwe has identified horticulture as one of the major sectors of the economy that will contribute ten (10) percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in line with vision 2030, a Government official has said.

Speaking at the Seedco Vegetable Mega Field Day held in Mt Hampden yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement, Engineer Ringson Chitsiko said, “Zimbabwe guided by its vision 2030, has identified horticulture as one of the key sectors to deliver 10 percent of annual economic growth rate that is envisaged under this economic turnaround.

“The Zimbabwean Government is currently on the verge of coming up with a horticulture department which will be committed to ensuring that the sector is cushioned through development of strategies that will transform agriculture subsistence to commercial farming.”

Engineer Chitsiko applauded Seedco for organizing such an interactive event that brings together farmers, seed houses and agriculture implements suppliers.

He also challenged farmers to make use of some the hybrid seeds that were commissioned by Seedco to maximize their production outputs.

“As the Seedco slogan says its starts with the right seed, we need to get the productivity right at the farm level, then we will be on the right path.”

Seedco Head of Agronomy Services, Dr John Bhasera urged farmers to venture into vegetable production year round as they have a ready local market and also have more export opportunities.

 “There are export opportunities for vegetables in Namibia, Mozambique and Angola.

“Even beyond Africa, you can export your peas and we get the much needed foreign currency for our economy.”

Some of the local companies that showcased their agricultural products to farmers during the field day include SuperFert, Profeeds, Total Farm Solutions, Cairns Foods and Omnia.