ZIMBABWE – A USD 450,000 banana processing plant in Zimbabwe’s Honde Valley is set to begin operations this November, offering a lifeline to local farmers by enhancing the value of their produce.
The plant, located in Hauna, aims to solve long-standing challenges of market access and post-harvest losses by processing bananas and other horticultural products for longer shelf life.
The Hauna banana processing plant will directly benefit 600 farmers and indirectly support over 2,000 individuals in the surrounding areas of Mutasa and Nyanga.
Farmers in the region have struggled with high transportation costs and market fluctuations, often leading to underpayment for their bananas.
By offering methods like freezing, canning, and drying, the facility will allow farmers to preserve fruit that would otherwise spoil, boosting both profitability and sustainability.
“By establishing this processing plant, we are not only providing a sustainable and transformative solution for our local farmers but also promoting value addition, enhancing food security, and driving economic growth in the region,” said Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza.
Local banana farmer Mercy Chohwa expressed her optimism, noting that the facility will help cut transportation costs and increase profits. “We’ve always faced challenges with transporting fresh bananas to distant markets. Now, we can process them here, adding more value locally,” she said.
The banana processing plant is part of a larger regional strategy to improve agricultural value addition, which includes projects like the avocado oil plant in Mutare and a macadamia processing plant in Chipinge.
The USD 450,000 investment in the Hauna facility is seen as a key driver for food security and economic empowerment in the region.
Mutasa North legislator Obey Bvute highlighted the national importance of the plant, linking it to broader food security and economic goals. “This plant is not just about bananas. It’s about ensuring that our agricultural sector continues to grow and support our communities in a meaningful way,” Bvute said.
Zimbabwe’s banana production has seen steady growth, with the country producing around 197,458 tonnes in 2022, a significant rise from just 41,000 tonnes in 1973.
The Honde Valley region alone increased its production from 2,000 tonnes in 2011 to over 27,000 tonnes in 2017, contributing more than USD 7.5 million to the rural economy annually.
The Hauna banana processing plant is expected to be a game-changer for farmers, enabling them to process unsold or damaged bananas, reducing food waste and increasing the lifespan of their produce.
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