FARMERS have been urged to diversify into turmeric production as part of efforts to transform agriculture and capitalise on a rapidly growing global demand for high-value crops.
Despite its strong income potential, uptake of the crop remains low, prompting authorities to intensify awareness campaigns and support initiatives.
Agricultural authorities say turmeric offers Zimbabwean farmers a new export-oriented cash crop that can boost incomes, drive value addition and reduce reliance on traditional crops such as tobacco and maize.
The spice is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing and natural dyes, making it one of the fastest-growing niche crops on global markets.
With the global turmeric market valued at more than US$4 billion annually and projected to grow by between 6% and 8% each year, India — the world’s leading producer — is struggling to meet rising demand, creating opportunities for emerging producers such as Zimbabwe.
Marian Chombo, Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister for Mashonaland West, said farmers stood to benefit from investing in the crop.
“Turmeric production is a lucrative business with potential for value addition. At least 45 components can be extracted from the crop. Some medicinal properties are also said to help to suppress drug cravings,” she said.
Authorities are targeting youth participation through availing land and skills-development programmes.
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“We want to ensure that farmers are well trained in turmeric and ginger production. These are high-value crops and our priority is to include them in our crop mix,” said Caristo Masiwa, provincial director in the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry.
The government, working with private sector partners, is promoting large-scale turmeric production in areas such as Chegutu.
Contractor Jerome Magumbe said export markets were secured for contracted farmers.
“We have secured export markets for all our contracted organic farmers,” he said.
Agricultural experts have also encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming practices to meet international export certification standards as Zimbabwe expands access to global markets.
