The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
The signing of a deal to enhance trade in citrus between Harare and Beijing is a boon for local farmers.
The Citrus Phytosanitary Protocol was signed on Monday, with the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, signing on behalf of the Government, while China was represented by the General Administration of Customs of China, Minister Ni Yuefeng.
Dr Masuka said the protocol has taken care of the concerns of plant biosecurity.
“Local stakeholders from the citrus industry have accepted the favourable terms, which now require the cold chain to begin at the port as opposed to the initial requirement for cooling to begin on the farm.
“China has also agreed out of the protocol framework to provide technical assistance to Zimbabwe regarding fresh citrus exports to the Chinese market.”
This initiative will improve local capacity for monitoring and surveillance of citrus plantations for insect pests and diseases.
Dr Masuka added that all orchards as well as packing houses that wish to export citrus must be registered with Government and also approved by the General Administration of Customs China.
