A TARGETED agricultural initiative combining precision science with supply chain support is transforming the fortunes of Zimbabwe’s potato farmers, driving record-breaking yields and promising a new era of commercial viability for small-scale growers.
Spearheaded by Innscor Africa Limited’s agricultural division, PHI/IL Integrated Agri, the project has deployed a ‘soil to sack’ philosophy that is already delivering results for the Banket farming community.
According to PHI director Graeme Murdoch, the success in Banket has been attributed to a move away from generic farming methods towards precision agriculture.
Through the use of Nutrimaster fertilisers, farmers received inputs that were scientifically customised based on tailored soil sampling of their specific land.
“By designing fertilisers specifically for individual fields and combining them with Optichem crop protection chemicals, the initiative has reportedly ‘transformed dreams into reality’, resulting in ‘bumper harvests’ and record-breaking yields for participating farmers.
“Building on this commercial success, the group is rolling out a broader strategy to support the small-scale sector, which is estimated to account for approximately 75% of Zimbabwe's total table potato production,” Murdoch said.
Historically, small-scale production has been constrained by the use of retained seed from previous crops, leading to sub-economic yields.
To close this gap, the group’s retail arm, Profarmer, has partnered Kukura Seed House to distribute high-quality certified potato seed alongside fertiliser packs designed specifically for small- and medium-scale production.
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The initiative extends beyond just farm inputs. Profarmer, which operates over 75 retail outlets nationwide, is establishing a comprehensive ecosystem that includes training and nutritional gardens at schools to demonstrate best practices.
Looking ahead to 2026, the group plans to operationalise a buy-back scheme where Profarmer stores will purchase potatoes from the farmers they supply.
This move aims to reduce farmers' dependence on unpredictable markets and create a stable, efficient value chain that benefits both the producers and the processor.
This potato-focused drive is part of PHI’s wider seasonal engagement, which saw the business cultivate 6,786 hectares of crops under contract with 199 farmers, reinforcing the group's commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods and national food security.
PHI invested US$10,4 million in the current summer cropping season.
The substantial capital injection is part of the group's dual strategy to secure a steady stream of raw materials for its processing units while bolstering Zimbabwe’s national food security.
The bulk of the investment — US$8 million — was channelled to maize production, covering over 4,800 hectares under commercial irrigation.
Additionally, approximately US$1,56 million was allocated to soya bean production, covering 1,231 hectares, with the remainder dedicated to sorghum and popcorn.
Looking ahead, PHI has set its sights on the 2026 winter season, with a target of 604,600 hectares of winter wheat. The company said it had plans to diversify its crop base and expand collaborations with independent contractors to solidify the country's agricultural sector.
As the largest buyer of local maize, soya and wheat in Zimbabwe, Innscor’s latest agricultural performance underscores the vital link between corporate investment and rural development in stabilising the nation’s food production.
