The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
YOUNG farmers and Zimbabweans in the Diaspora are increasingly taking an active interest in the production of passion fruit, which is commonly known as granadilla.
Unlike in the past when only four white commercial farmers were commercially producing granadilla, the number has since shot up to more than 50, according to information released by Green Afrique Technologies, a leading marketer of passion fruit.
The biggest passion fruit project in the country so far is in Binga, where 100 hectares have been put under the crop.
In Bulawayo, a thriving five-hectare project, which was planted last year, will soon export its produce to Europe.
There are also individual farmers in Goromonzi, Kwekwe, Beatrice, Kadoma and Marondera.
Mr Anglistone Sibanda, the chief executive officer of Green Afrique Technologies, said:
“Young farmers and those that are based in the Diaspora are slowly appreciating the value and the benefits that are associated with passion fruit production. We are getting calls from all over the world from Zimbabweans who are interested in becoming passion fruit producers.”
Passion fruit is highly nutritious and is a rich source of powerful antioxidants that have various health benefits.
Green Afrique Technologies will he holding another training workshop targeting 90 farmers in Harare.
It is envisaged that each farmer would put a minimum of one hectare under passion fruit.
“We were overwhelmed by the response after our first training workshop in Harare. We do not only train the farmers but also eventually engage them as out-growers.”
