ZIMBABWE – KUMINDA, a new agricultural venture in Zimbabwe, is making waves by being the first to introduce Fruit Vision blueberries to the country.

Founded by Clarence Mwale and a Zimbabwean partner based in the UK, the company is leveraging its exclusive rights to Dutch breeder Fruit Vision’s blueberries to bring a unique opportunity to Zimbabwean farmers.

KUMINDA’s state-of-the-art packhouse in Harare will primarily pack peas this year, with plans to expand into blueberries in the coming years.

Mwale’s vision for KUMINDA extends beyond just farming; he wants to empower small-scale farmers and integrate them into the global market.

“We’re really dedicated to providing opportunities to small and medium-scale farmers. Not only from a business point of view, but from a love for Zimbabwe. We like to give them a fair opportunity to participate in global trade,” Mwale said.

Transforming blueberry farming

KUMINDA’s agreement with Fruit Vision offers the potential to revolutionize blueberry farming in Zimbabwe.

The partnership aims to bring Dutch varieties that can yield two harvests a year, significantly increasing production and opportunities for local farmers.

Zimbabwe’s unique climate allows the country to crop blueberries in January, giving it a strategic advantage in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mwale noted, “The Dutch varieties can give us two harvests in a year. We can manipulate it to harvest at a time that suits us.”

“Current varieties are the earliest in the Southern Hemisphere: it’s a significant position for Zimbabwe. Imagine when we bring in varieties that you can harvest twice – it’s going to be massive.”

Supporting small-scale farmers

KUMINDA’s approach includes forming partnerships with experienced Zimbabwean vegetable exporters such as Selby Enterprises and Zimflex.

This strategy aims to spread risk and provide small-scale farmers with access to large export programs.

Minimal pesticide use is a key factor in Zimbabwe’s success, as small-scale farmers rarely use herbicides and rely on manual weeding.

Mwale emphasized the advantages of this method: “Because of the economic situation, when you teach them something, they do it right because they know their lives depend on it.”

The low use of pesticides in Zimbabwean farming contributes to higher-quality produce and lower residue levels.

“We’ve never really had an outbreak of pests, mostly because we haven’t been as active in intensive farming as South Africa has been,” Mwale stated.

Looking ahead

With KUMINDA’s packhouse in Harare ready, Mwale is optimistic about the future. “We’ve covered a lot of ground, and this is only the beginning,” he said.

The company’s plans offer promising prospects for small-scale farmers and the wider agricultural sector in Zimbabwe.

As KUMINDA continues to grow, it will focus on giving small-scale farmers the opportunity to thrive in the global market, backed by their exclusive access to premium blueberry varieties.

Through strategic partnerships and innovative farming methods, KUMINDA is poised to make a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape.

For all the latest fresh produce industry news updates from Africa, the Middle East, and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.