Zimbabwe's vice president wants officials and business partners to strengthen training programs for fruit and vegetable producers to boost their economic output. Constantino Chiwenga visited agricultural operations in Beitbridge on Thursday that featured a $30 million citrus facility at Bishopstone Estate, Nottingham Estate and Palm River Special Economic Zone.
Chiwenga said citrus farming has shifted to Beitbridge as more growers enter the sector. The region needs better water systems to expand operations, though Nottingham Estate built a reservoir and plans to grow from 950 hectares to 1,500 hectares of crops.
Orange Ville invested $30 million in equipment and 700 hectares of orchards with plans to reach 3,000 hectares by 2030. The company installed processing capacity for 90,000 tons annually and aims to handle 200,000 tons within five years.
Nottingham Estate built two dams that hold 800 million cubic meters of water and added a 5-megawatt solar facility. The operation employs 550 workers from Beitbridge, rising to 1,300 at harvest time. A 63-kilometer water canal from Zhovhe to Beitbridge will help commercial and community farmers expand production.
Chiwenga said citrus farming has shifted to Beitbridge as more growers enter the sector. The region needs better water systems to expand operations, though Nottingham Estate built a reservoir and plans to grow from 950 hectares to 1,500 hectares of crops.
Orange Ville invested $30 million in equipment and 700 hectares of orchards with plans to reach 3,000 hectares by 2030. The company installed processing capacity for 90,000 tons annually and aims to handle 200,000 tons within five years.
Nottingham Estate built two dams that hold 800 million cubic meters of water and added a 5-megawatt solar facility. The operation employs 550 workers from Beitbridge, rising to 1,300 at harvest time. A 63-kilometer water canal from Zhovhe to Beitbridge will help commercial and community farmers expand production.
