Zimbabwe: More farmers venture into growing garlic

Published 2021년 9월 23일

Tridge summary

Garlic production in Zimbabwe has seen a significant increase of over 600 percent this year, reaching around 1,200 tonnes, as more farmers are embracing the crop due to its rising demand, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic because of its medicinal properties. However, a shortage of garlic seeds has been noted, leading the Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric Growers Association of Zimbabwe (GGTAZ) to ban exports to address this issue and boost local production to a target of 25,000 tonnes. Experts like Professor Mandivamba Rukuni are encouraging farmers to consider value-adding activities rather than just exporting the raw garlic to support Zimbabwe's industrialization and economic growth.

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Original content

Garlic production in the country increased by more than 600 percent this year as demand for the crop soars, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, experts said. Speaking during a workshop organised by Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric Growers Association of Zimbabwe (GGTAZ) in Gweru recently, GGTAZ representative, Mr Douglas Msipa said the country had realised 200 tonnes of garlic the previous year. Mr Msipa, said more farmers were embracing garlic farming, with the country expecting around 1 200 tonnes of the cash crop. "It's been a long journey. We have been moving around the country mobilising farmers with ZIMTRADE. Initially, it was just a few of us who were interested in growing the crop. However, many farmers are now appreciating the crop as its demand is also increasing," he said. Mr Msipa said the demand for garlic shot up as people began to appreciate its medicinal value under the Covid-19 pandemic He said there was, however, shortage of the garlic seed in the county and the association ...

Source: All Africa