Women urged to grow castor beans

Women have been urged to take up castor bean production to generate more income and improve their lives.

Addressing farmers at a field day hosted at Mrs Nyarai Shereni’s farm in Mutoko last week, the Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs, Cde Apollonia Munzverengwi, urged farmers to grow castor bean because it has more than 300 uses ranging from pharmaceuticals, lubrication, fuel, personal care, food, beverages and many others.

“As we go the devolution route, castor beans is one of the low-hanging fruits and quick wins. Increased production of castor beans will help to reduce our import bill per year if processed into valuable products.

“According to Life Brand Agric Services (LBAS), for each hectare planted, a farmer can earn an average of US$25 000 per year because they will be buying seed, leaf, steam and roots. If 40 000 households each grows one hectare of castor beans, this translates to earnings of $1 billion in a single year. Business will boom and maximum land utilisation will be achieved,” she said.

Senate President Mabel Chinomona said women should play their part in transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy by 2030.

“Zimbabwe is open for business, so as women we now want to be involved in big economic projects and be part of the drive to transform Zimbabwe into  a middle income country. We want to be empowered, especially those who have land so that we can mechanise and contribute to the growth of the economy.

“We are engaging women in various farming districts throughout the country to grow castor beans under contract with the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank and LBAS,” she said

Chief operations officer for Life Brand Agriculture Services Mr Israel Kembo said they are confident that castor bean project will be one of the key ways to bring foreign currency into the country through exports and create jobs.

Women’s Microfinance Bank chief executive Ms Mandas Marikanda urged women to take up the initiative and empower themselves.

“The bank is there to assist women to get loans and LBAS will help with inputs and knowledge. The bank continues to develop products, financial solutions and initiatives to address the unique needs of women,” she said.