A number of farmers in Zvishavane that have ventured into garlic farming are confident that the projects will yield fruit and contribute seed while earning them the much needed foreign currency.
The number of smallholder farmers with potential to export has been growing significantly over the past few years. Currently, the interest generated by smallholder farmers to grow the crop, regardless of land size, is an indication that they have potential to contribute more to national exports.
For Zimbabwe, figures available on Trade Map indicate that exports of garlic have been insignificant over the past few years, though there is potential to supply and dominate in regional and international markets.
Speaking to Great Dyke News 24, pioneer garlic farmers in Zvishavane said they are looking at growing the seed bank to enhance garlic farming in Zvishavane.
A similar project is also underway in Gutu, Masvingo Province where smallholder garlic growers have entered into a partnership with Zimtrade and local seed houses to increase their productivity. This arrangement will also enable the farmers to export their produce to international markets.
