Published: 4 hours ago

Zimbabwe is witnessing a major revival in horticultural production, a shift that is cutting the import bill while reigniting hopes of reclaiming the country's reputation as the "breadbasket of Africa."

The resurgence is being fuelled by expanded irrigation and a focus on high-value crops, with horticulture emerging as one of the most resilient agricultural sub-sectors amid climate change.

Official crop assessments show that Zimbabwe has now achieved self-sufficiency in several key vegetables, with imports of staples such as potatoes and cabbage completely halted.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said potato production in particular had exceeded national requirements. "We are not importing cabbage, vegetables and so forth because we are producing more than enough," he said, noting that farmers are increasingly shifting towards high-value irrigated crops, particularly in peri-urban areas near major cities.

Currently, more than 5 000 hectares are under potato cultivation, and authorities expect an additional 4 000 hectares to be planted in the second half of the year. Beyond potatoes, crops such as blueberries, pecan nuts, chillies and snap beans are also on the rise, strengthening horticulture's role as a key driver of growth.

"This growth is not accidental. It is the result of concerted efforts by both small-scale and commercial farmers, particularly those in peri-urban areas, who are pivoting towards irrigated, high-value crops that guarantee better returns and are less vulnerable to erratic rainfall," Prof Jiri said.

The horticultural boom is being complemented by the Winter Cereals Plan, under which Government has targeted 135 500 hectares for wheat, barley and potatoes. The wheat crop alone is projected to yield 600 000 tonnes — enough to cover national demand.

Authorities have also strengthened protection measures against threats to the winter harvest. "Quelea bird surveillance is ongoing in all provinces. We want to assure the nation that there is enough manpower, vehicles, sprayers and chemicals to respond swiftly to any outbreak," said Prof Jiri.

With self-sufficiency in key vegetables and surging exports of high-value crops, Zimbabwe's horticultural revival is positioning agriculture once again as a central pillar of the economy.
- The Herald