Gutu Central legislator and Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Winston Chitando has been in the forefront of promoting garlic farming in his constituency

The garlic export programme initiated by Gutu Central constituency legislator, Cde Winston Chitando, has expanded to include more farmers after many families have had their lives transformed.

Up to 2 000 farmers have taken up garlic farming across Gutu Central, with some farmers expected to pocket up to US$8 000 this year.

Last year, a farmer that grew garlic on a bigger piece of land generated US$6 000.

On Saturday, it was a hive of activity at Gonye Business Centre as farmers and buyers converged.

Farmers were happy that after taking back some garlic to replace the seed they got on loan, they were able to get reasonable sums of money which they will use to feed families and pay school fees.

“I was in arrears in terms of fees for my two school going children, but the US$1 200 I have gotten after paying back the seed loan, will help me and my family,” said Gogo Maramwidze.

Many other farmers praised Cde Chitando for starting the project, saying it had changed their lives.

In an interview, Cde Chitando said the garlic programme was going on well since 2018.

“In March this year, we launched the garlic export program and gave people seed on loan, and they pay back through garlic at harvesting,” said Cde Chitando.

He said the garlic programme was in line with Vision 2030 of transforming Zimbabwe into an empowered upper middle class economy.