Beitbridge has emerged as a major citrus farming center in Zimbabwe, with farmers cultivating export-grade oranges, grapefruit and lemons across 4,100 hectares. The district's warm climate and irrigation systems attract commercial operations and communal farmers seeking better incomes.
District Agritex officer Masauso Mawocha said production areas continue expanding each year at sites such as Khwalu, Shashe and Ndambe Phase 2. Commercial estates and new ventures by Orange Ville and Toppick Investments have joined established farms at Nottingham Estate, Bishopstone and others.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga recently visited the $30 million Orange Ville project and other farms, calling for greater investment in horticulture to boost national GDP. He said citrus operations have shifted from scattered locations countrywide to concentrate in Beitbridge, where conditions favor growth.
The industry has created jobs for local residents while generating foreign exchange through exports. Farming experts noted that national citrus production dropped from 10,000 hectares to above 5,000 hectares because of climate shifts and economic pressures.
District Agritex officer Masauso Mawocha said production areas continue expanding each year at sites such as Khwalu, Shashe and Ndambe Phase 2. Commercial estates and new ventures by Orange Ville and Toppick Investments have joined established farms at Nottingham Estate, Bishopstone and others.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga recently visited the $30 million Orange Ville project and other farms, calling for greater investment in horticulture to boost national GDP. He said citrus operations have shifted from scattered locations countrywide to concentrate in Beitbridge, where conditions favor growth.
The industry has created jobs for local residents while generating foreign exchange through exports. Farming experts noted that national citrus production dropped from 10,000 hectares to above 5,000 hectares because of climate shifts and economic pressures.
