Venture into horticulture, farmers urged

Farmers in Mashonaland Central have been urged to venture into horticulture to ensure continuous flow of income throughout the year, Seed Co agronomy and extension services manager Dr John Bhasera has said.

Speaking at a horticulture field day at Dairies of Shashi Farm in Bindura last week, Dr Bhasera urged farmers to start small and grow gradually.

The host farmer, Mr Enefrage Mushore, planted 50 000 plants of fabiola cabbage and rampart rape on one and half hectares.
“After a farmer has harvested crops like maize and soyabean, he or she should consider horticulture and vegetable production to ensure a smooth flow of income at their farm,” said Dr Bhasera.

“Vegetable production helps in spreading risk and broadening income streams at the farm. It also supplements existing income streams of major income crops like maize, cotton and tobacco.

“A farmer must send something to the market once every month, be it a goat or chicken. We are talking about diversity and venturing into different projects. Vegetable production gives a farmer a lucrative income in a short space of time.

“The fabiola cabbage variety matures in 65 days and rape matures in 24 days, a quick return on investment. One hectare produces about 30 000 heads of cabbages with an expenditure of about $10 000.”

Dr Bhasera urged farmers to increase productivity to be able to increases the rural economy, food and nutrition.
“Producing a huge yield on a small piece of land like this is critical. To achieve this, you need good seed and good agronomy practices,” he said.

“There are three principles which guide the profit story of a farmer.
“The first one is the input price, unfortunately a farmer has no control over this. The second is the output price, again the farmer has no control over how much the produce will be bought for.

“In the middle, there is productivity principle which the farmer can use to manipulate the input and output process. There is no centre pivot at this farm or any other big equipment, this farmer used a simple pump and a dragging horse. Start with what you have and grow gradually.”

Mr Mushore said it was his first time to plant cabbages and his target market was Mukumbura area in Mbire District.
He is selling the cabbages at $5 per head.