News / National
Nyanga farmers in lucrative onion market
26 Mar 2016 at 07:46hrs | Views
OVER 260 smallholder farmers at Nyarumvurwe Irrigation Scheme in Nyanga have found a lucrative market for their produce, having supplied 725 tonnes of onions to supermarkets and vendors in Harare between November 2015 and February this year.
Manica Post reported that the irrigation scheme, which falls under Ward 23, was established in 2009 by Intermediate Technology Development Group (Practical Action).
It benefits 265 households operating 0,1 hectares each.
Apart from these plot holders, a group of 60 youths in the dry lands also sunk wells from which they draw water to irrigate their onion projects too.
Additionally, some renovations of canals and a weir along Nyamombe River by NGOs, has enabled another group of 60 women to draw water for similar projects in their household gardens.
NGOs and Agritex officers conduct learning workshops with farmers, draft cropping calendars and create market linkages for the farmers.
The lucrative nature of the business has seen a sharp rise in the number of farmers turning to onions in the region.
Between last November to date, farmers sold their produce to Pick 'n' Pay Supermarket, Brands Fresh and other vendors in Harare at 0,65 cents per kg.
The pricing regime is quality related.
Some of the farmers have managed to buy scotch-carts and cars, build houses and send children to school from the proceeds.
Manica Post reported that the irrigation scheme, which falls under Ward 23, was established in 2009 by Intermediate Technology Development Group (Practical Action).
It benefits 265 households operating 0,1 hectares each.
Apart from these plot holders, a group of 60 youths in the dry lands also sunk wells from which they draw water to irrigate their onion projects too.
Additionally, some renovations of canals and a weir along Nyamombe River by NGOs, has enabled another group of 60 women to draw water for similar projects in their household gardens.
NGOs and Agritex officers conduct learning workshops with farmers, draft cropping calendars and create market linkages for the farmers.
The lucrative nature of the business has seen a sharp rise in the number of farmers turning to onions in the region.
Between last November to date, farmers sold their produce to Pick 'n' Pay Supermarket, Brands Fresh and other vendors in Harare at 0,65 cents per kg.
The pricing regime is quality related.
Some of the farmers have managed to buy scotch-carts and cars, build houses and send children to school from the proceeds.
Source - Manicapost
