In Chegutu district, an initiative is underway to revitalize its role as a key player in citrus production, leveraging an out-grower scheme that includes both commercial and communal farmers specializing in a variety of citrus fruits such as oranges, nartjies, grapefruit, lemons, and mandarins. This effort aims to rejuvenate the district's citrus industry, which had declined following the agrarian reform program.
Wilson Chinzou, CEO of Zimplats Mhondoro-Ngezi-Chegutu-Zvimba Community Share Ownership Trust (CSOT), disclosed the launch of a citrus project by Sable, their investment wing, with the goal of reinstating Chegutu's status as a citrus hub. The project has already seen the planting of 100 hectares of citrus, with plans to expand to 180 hectares by year-end. Additionally, a dam construction is in progress to supply irrigation water, essential for the sustainability of this project. This initiative is particularly significant as it opens up export opportunities to China, providing a vital source of foreign currency for Zimbabwe amid increasing global demand for Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits.
Source: newzimbabwe.com