Villagers adopt Green House system to boost productivity

Some 50 villagers formed the Svosve Organic Farmers Association and practiced traditional chilli growing. They pooled their resources and turned to the Green House system at the end of last year.

“This enables us grow a variety of crops throughout the year and venture into horticulture – previously regarded as the preserve of commercial farmers. We have diversified into vegetables such as lettuce, runner beans and carrots,” said a senior member of the scheme, Jeffrey Chekuona Chingosho.

“We have already secured markets at local food companies and leading supermarkets. Since our produce is rated among the best in the region, we are trying to secure export contracts too,” he added. Local councillor, Samuel Machekanyanga, described the project as the first of its kind and said he would do everything possible to assist the farmers secure markets for their produce. Svosve organic farmers are no strangers to challenging and contract farming ventures. For the past three years, they have supplied chillies to a commercial company.