According to a ZimTrade official, Zimbabwe should take advantage of the growing global demand for organic crops to boost production of horticulture crops that are free from synthetic materials such as herbicides and enhance rural incomes. ZimTrade is the country's export promotion body.
"Currently, there is a growing demand for organic foods among consumers, as more people are becoming health-conscious and looking for products that are high in nutrients and low in calories," ZimTrade chief executive Allan Majuru said.
"Consumers are also becoming more aware of foods containing synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and are switching to organic foods, which is driving the market growth of organic farming that is devoid of the chemicals used in crops. By focusing on organic produce, there is potential for the horticulture sector to increase its contribution to national exports, riding on improved production by smallholder farmers and rural communities.”
Source: chronicle.co.zw