Small-scale farmers in Muzarabani are using portions of land to maximize horticultural production. They mainly focus on tomatoes to earn extra income. Tomatoes thrive in warm temperatures, making Muzarabani's agro-ecological zone ideal.
Because of this, Ward 18 councilor Norman Chizeya decided to start production of tomatoes along the Musengezi River. Chizeya said maximizing agriculture production on small pieces of land produces higher yields. He teamed up with a tomato farmer Arthur Tapedza to start a self-funded pilot project of 500 00o plants of tomatoes on a one-hectare plot in June.
"We experience hot temperatures in Muzarabani, which is ideal for tomato production. We have land and water, but we lack expertise, and I decided to invite Mr. Tapedza, who is a tomato farmer in Centenary, to start a pilot project," Chizeya told herald.co.zw.
"Mr. Tapedza was doing small-scale tomato farming in his village, and at this demo plot, all nearby farmers are coming to learn how to produce tomatoes, and this has resulted in several tomato plots being established in this area. We don't want the community to rely only on summer crops but to continue farming all year round to earn extra income."
The project is employing over 20 people.
