Tomatoes dominated agricultural produce sales for the month of August, earning 41% from the total revenue of US$2,7 million, up from the July figure of US$2,2 million.
BY TARISAI MANDIZHA
An agricultural research group, eMKambo’s report for the month of August 2014, said the top four most earning products were tomatoes with an estimated revenue of US$1,1 million, bananas US$291 130, avocadoes US$211 180 and onions US$171 296.
“A total of 43 agricultural products flowed into Mbare market from around the country during the month of August 2014, generating an estimated revenue of US$2 724 513 60 an increase from July’s US$2 224 649, 54,” it said.
According to the report, the bulk of agricultural commodities flowing into the market were produced based on farmer instincts, experience and intuitions.
The report showed that Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and Harare provinces had the highest share of the market revenues.
Mashonaland East received US$1 722 671,20, Manicaland US$535 475,50, Mashonaland West US$204 696,50, Mashonaland Central US$178 201,90 and Harare US$68 383.
The remaining provinces — Masvingo, Midlands and Matabeleland South — all recorded less than US$10 000 each in the month of August.
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The statistics shows that farmers from Mashonaland East, Manicaland and Mashonaland West collectively received nearly 90,39% of the revenue.
“Apples recorded for Harare are mainly from South Africa. However, it is good to see Mazowe and Nyanga still showing the existence of local production although it needs improving.
“There are enormous opportunities for value addition of avocadoes in Honde Valley, Chimanimani and Chipinge, creating employment. Like Avocadoes, bananas remain a major crop in Honde Valley, Chimanimani and Chipinge.
“A blend ofaavocadoes and bananas would produce a wholesale food,” eMKambo said.
However, according to the report, there have been a glut of sugar beans on the market because production was promoted without proper consideration for the market.
