Middle Sabi farmers target export markets
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Manicaland Bureau
Farmers in Chipinge have partnered two companies that are funding the resuscitation of banana and citrus plantations targeting export markets.
A2 farmers in the Middle Sabi have so far put almost 200 hectares of various fruits that include bananas, avocados, lemons and mangoes.
Most farmers in the Middle Sabi, got the farms under the Land Reform Programme, but have faced challenges over the past years, which saw the exceptionally fertile area recording a significant decline in production.
However, over the years, the farmers have been partnering investors who have assisted in reviving irrigation infrastructure.
Middle Sabi farmers’ syndicate chairperson, Mr Skumbuzo Thondhlana said: “When the A2 farmers acquired these farms, we faced many challenges along the way. We could not properly irrigate the plantations and there were also diseases, which we could not manage because we did not have enough knowledge about citrus. But slowly, we have started rising and with the new investors, citrus production will grow.”