By ZBC Reporter
THE second wave of COVID-19, which has triggered lockdowns across Europe, has sent the horticulture farming sector into panic mode with local players now looking for alternative markets in Asia.
It emerged during the tour of Lingfield farm in Gweru this Tuesday that horticultural farmers, who are harvesting flowers, are facing an uncertain future with regards to marketing their produce in the wake of a new wave of Covid-19 in their traditional markets.
Lingfield farm Operations Director, Mr Tatenda Karimazondo however said farmers have to come up with new marketing strategies.
“We had orders from countries like England and Germany. However the second wave of the pandemic might mean shops will be closed in these countries with business people only delivering essentials to people’s homes. This might affect us. We are now looking at other markets like Russia and United Arab Emirates where the our products are said to be on high demand,” he said.
Minister of State in Vice President Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga’s office, Mrs Evelyne Ndlovu, who toured the farm, commended the indigenous farmers for fully utilising their land.
“What we have seen here is a clear indication that our people can do well with the land. This is a sign that as a country we can be our own liberators in turning around the fortunes of our economy. I however implore the farmers to pass on the knowledge and expertise they have to other farmers and Agriculture students so that we can have more of such capable farmers in the country,” noted Ndlovu.
Government recently launched the Agriculture revival strategy with hopes high that there will be a turnaround of horticulture production in the country.
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