Government has achieved another milestone in its rural industrialisation agenda with the completion of the Hauna Fruit and Vegetable Processing Plant in Honde Valley, a transformative project poised to uplift livelihoods through value addition, job creation, and rural economic growth.
The state-of-the-art plant, capable of processing up to four tonnes of bananas per day into banana chips, represents a crucial step in advancing agro-industrial development under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). It embodies the Government’s commitment to empowering rural communities by promoting productivity, entrepreneurship, and value chain development.
During a tour yesterday, the Special Advisor to the President responsible for monitoring implementation of Government programmes, Dr. Jorum Gumbo described the project as a shining example of the Second Republic’s success in driving rural transformation.
“This plant will add value to local produce and ensure farmers get better returns. It brings markets closer to the people while cutting out middlemen. This is great work by Government, supported by the African Development Bank and the International Labour Organisation,” said Dr. Gumbo.
Following a successful test run, the plant is ready for full-scale operations. The District Development Officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Mrs. Shiela Mtetwa, confirmed the project’s readiness, saying, “We have done the test run, and the machine is operating well. The quality of the banana chips is impressive. We look forward to the official commissioning soon.”
District Agriculture Officer Christine Masvanhise noted that the plant will reduce waste and stabilise banana prices.
“Mutasa District is the nutrition hub for bananas and other fruits. Thirteen wards are involved in banana production, and farmers have formed clusters to ensure a consistent supply to the plant,” she said.
Local farmers in the region have hailed the project, describing it as a turning point for Honde Valley’s banana industry, which has long struggled with post-harvest losses and fluctuating prices.
“We are excited that this processing plant has been completed. Our bananas were fetching very low prices before, but now we will be able to value-add and earn more,” said one farmer.
Another added, “This is a great step towards rural industrialisation. It will not only boost our incomes but also create jobs and reduce rural-to-urban migration. We are now witnessing the practical realisation of Vision 2030.”
With banana production steadily rising in Honde Valley, the Hauna Processing Plant is expected to be a game-changer in the region’s agro-processing landscape. It will empower thousands of households, stimulate rural enterprise, and position Manicaland as a strategic player in Zimbabwe’s growing agricultural economy.
