The Sunday Mail
Senior Reporter
UPON arrival in Mvurwi, a small town surrounded by fertile farmlands in Mashonaland Central, one cannot escape the sight of the Mvurwi Citrus Packers factory.
The plant was once on the verge of collapse, but is now back in business due to the Second Republic’s policies.
Founded 14 years ago, the company had been operating below capacity, as there was little produce to process, while capital was limited.
According to the company’s manager, Mr Godwin Basopo, Government’s support has helped the business resume processing horticultural produce for export.
“The operation is involved in citrus processing, packing and exporting. For many years, the plant was operating between 15 percent and 20 percent capacity. However, under the current Government, the company’s owner, Mr Ian Waters, has secured funds and support to enhance capacity. Due to an increase in production by farmers, we are now back to our business of processing horticulture produce for export,” he said.
The factory is currently processing Eureka lemons and naartjies, among other fruits, for export.
The plant’s resuscitation has transformed the lives of farmers, who were now limited to only supplying the domestic market.
“The farming community has welcomed our revival. We are now closing that gap in terms of value addition to ensure produce is good enough for export. Requirements for export include what we call a global gap certification standard, while the packhouse needs to have hazard analysis critical control points. These are some of the services we are offering to farmers.”
The business has reportedly opened new markets in several parts of the world.
“This year, we have been processing an average of 50 tonnes of produce per day that we were packing for export. The plant has the capacity to handle just over 70 tonnes per day. Currently, we are sending fruits to Russia, the Far East countries and the European Union. This is for both soft citrus and lemons,” added Mr Basopo.
Mvurwi Citrus Packers’ re-entry into the market has opened opportunities for farmers and residents in the town, as well as surrounding areas.
Produce that fails to meet the stipulated standard for export to international destinations is sold both locally, and to regional markets, where it is processed into juice.
“This past season, we had an average of 110 people per shift. We haven’t done a second shift this year but the intention is to introduce a second shift. We draw our employees mainly from the community in Mvurwi. Sixty percent of our workforce are women,” he said. The company, he added, plans to empower small-scale citrus farmers to access international markets.
Recently, Zimbabwe and China signed a deal allowing citrus exports to the Asian country, which presents life-changing opportunities for citrus farmers in and around Mvurwi.
“We are trying to bring in farmers from the Kanhukamwe Irrigation Scheme. We are trying to find ways to help make their produce internationally acceptable. At the moment, we can’t buy from them. We are still working out a mutually beneficial structure.”
A number of downstream industries have been benefitting from the increased activity at the plant.
However, there is scope for more business opportunities.
For example, of the chemicals used for preservation at the plant, only one is locally available, while the rest are imported from South Africa.
This gives local players an opportunity to manufacture the chemicals.
Mvurwi Citrus Packers is currently mobilising funds to establish a plant to produce its own fruit juice.
Mashonaland Central Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Timothy Maregere described the Mvurwi Citrus Packers plant as an important contributor to foreign currency generation in the province.
“We are expecting that Mvurwi Citrus Packers will significantly contribute to the province’s gross domestic product. Judging from their performance from the months they have been in operation, I have no doubt that Mvurwi and the rest of the province will benefit immensely from their operations,” he said.
