ZIMBABWE has earned US$2,5 million from flower exports in the nine months to September, as the Government targets to grow the floriculture industry to US$16 million by 2030.
This represents a 4 percent increase from last year’s earnings of US$2,4 million.
Statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) show the country has earned US$2,526 million in the first three quarters of this year after the export of 1,4 million kilogrammes of flowers at an average price of US$1,79 per kilogramme.
Last year, US$2,42 million was received from the export of 1,4 million kg of the product at US$1,67 per kg.
The Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2) 2026-2030 projects the value of gross production of floriculture to reach US$16 million by 2030 from the current US$10 million.
“The floriculture sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, being a growing industry that requires niche marketing, modern infrastructure, climate-resilient practices and strong regulatory frameworks.
“The country expects to reach 334 million cuttings of flower production on 800 hectares by 2030 from 193 million cuttings generating US$16 million by 2030,” read the document.
The strategy seeks to modernise infrastructure, develop new markets, invest in modern greenhouses and irrigation systems and invest in cold storage facilities to improve flower production and quality.
“In addition, the strategy will encourage partnerships between private sector companies, Government agencies and smallholder farmers to drive sector growth through the ‘Hub and Spoke Model’.
“Furthermore, capacity-building of farmers, business advisors and industry stakeholders to enhance their skills and knowledge will be accelerated, “ read the AFSRTS 2.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) is optimistic that strategic policies will expand flower production from the current 2 300 to 40 000 tonnes by 2030.
HDC board member Mr Willard Zireva recently said the floriculture sector output was projected to rise from the current 2 300 to 40 000 tonnes by 2030 as a result of 615 percent area expansion from 130 to 930 hectares.
“The earnings are also expected to rise to US$276 979 200,” he said.
The HDC said current summer flowers on 100 hectares are set to rise to 600, while roses currently on 30 hectares will shoot to 330.
An investment of US$45,6 million is required for this expansion.
“Such a growth in production will create 4 650 new jobs and transform rural livelihoods across the nation,” Mr Zireva said.
An analysis of the floriculture sector in the past gives credence that this is not a pipe dream, as in the year ending June 2000, the country exported 19 488 tonnes of flowers worth US$89,65 million.
Zimbabwe exports cut flowers, namely Delphinium, Euphorbia, Liatris, Roses, Asters, Chrysanthemums, Carnations, Ammi majus, Statice, Protea, Chelone and Lysimachia.-herald
