Sydney Mubaiwa recently in Gutu
 Smallholder farmers in Gutu Central Constituency  who are into garlic production have entered into a partnership with ZimTrade and local seed houses to increase productivity.

The arrangement will also see the farmers exporting 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.

“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

Villagers who spoke to The Herald Business and Finance said they were excited by the economic opportunities created by the project saying they are eager to expand their garlic farming efforts.

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.

Other farmers also said they hoped to get more land and form bigger garlic farming cooperatives that will create jobs for rural youth and women.

Creation of viable rural economies is among priority Government programmes to ensure communities move away from relying on donors and Government aid during times of drought.

Agritex extension officers in Gutu Central  were honoured  by SeedCo for their excellent working relationship with villagers in their area of operation.