Vegetables, just like all other horticultural produce, offer quick wins for local growers and exporters, given Zimbabwe’s favourable climatic conditions. The potential for vegetables to contribute to the nation’s exports cannot be overemphasised. One of the most viable vegetables for local producers to consider is peas, whose increasing demand on the global market can guarantee success for those planning to shore up exports.
There are three main categories of peas — mangetout (snow) peas, sugar snap, and garden (shelling) peas. The main types grown in Zimbabwe are mangetout peas and sugar snap, which have a proven success record in most provinces of the country such as Manicaland, Midlands, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West.
The mangetout is a flat-podded variety of pea, eaten whole (hence the French name mangetout, which means eat everything). The peas within the pods are small, crisp and sweet, and can be served raw or lightly steamed, boiled or stir-fried.
Mangetout are rich in good quality protein, which makes them the ideal choice of meat substitute for the vegetarian.
The growing global demand for peas, which are a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C and a good source of fibre, is anchored on changing eating habits, where people are increasingly moving towards vegetables and organic foods.
Pea exports have been progressively rising in the past few years. According to Trade Map, global pea imports stood at US$459 million in 2018, up from US$407 million in 2017 and US$391 million in 2016. This trend offers opportunities for local sector players to increase Zimbabwe’s share of the world market.