A top UK government official just checked out how Zimbabwe grows and packs vegetables for British shoppers. Lord Collins from the UK Africa department toured Kuminda's processing plant where workers handle fresh peas before shipping them overseas. The visit shows how the two countries work together on farming deals that help thousands of people make money. President Mnangagwa met the same minister recently at State House with Britain's ambassador. These meetings prove the partnership keeps growing stronger.
Kuminda employs about 100 women who sort and pack vegetables for export markets. The company helps 5,000 small farmers learn better growing methods and sell their crops abroad. Zimbabwe sends most of Britain's sugar snap peas across the ocean every year. The trade agreement lets Zimbabwean farmers sell without paying extra taxes. This setup creates jobs and brings cash into rural communities.
Company boss Clarence Mwale showed the minister around their Harare facility last week. Workers were busy preparing fresh peas for shipment to Europe and Britain. The company plans to send 700 tonnes of vegetables using cargo ships instead of planes. Sea transport costs much less but takes about four weeks to arrive. Farmers earn more money because shipping expenses stay lower.
Pea exports happen from April through December each year. May through September brings the highest prices because other countries produce less during those months. Last year Zimbabwe made over three million dollars from pea sales. The amount sold jumped up 12 percent compared to the year before.
Kuminda employs about 100 women who sort and pack vegetables for export markets. The company helps 5,000 small farmers learn better growing methods and sell their crops abroad. Zimbabwe sends most of Britain's sugar snap peas across the ocean every year. The trade agreement lets Zimbabwean farmers sell without paying extra taxes. This setup creates jobs and brings cash into rural communities.
Company boss Clarence Mwale showed the minister around their Harare facility last week. Workers were busy preparing fresh peas for shipment to Europe and Britain. The company plans to send 700 tonnes of vegetables using cargo ships instead of planes. Sea transport costs much less but takes about four weeks to arrive. Farmers earn more money because shipping expenses stay lower.
Pea exports happen from April through December each year. May through September brings the highest prices because other countries produce less during those months. Last year Zimbabwe made over three million dollars from pea sales. The amount sold jumped up 12 percent compared to the year before.
