Production of high-value organic crops is accelerating across Zimbabwe, with farmers increasingly adopting turmeric, ginger and garlic as profitable, climate-resilient alternatives to conventional crops.
At least 31 districts are now practising organic agriculture, signalling a major shift toward sustainable farming models that offer strong returns even in challenging environments.
In an interview with the media, Reapers Private Limited Chief Executive Officer Basil Nyabadza said the organic farming sector is primed to strengthen household incomes and build long-term agricultural resilience.
“We will make sure that everyone can access seed for the production of organic crops. We are now operating in plus or minus 31 districts throughout the country. We want every urban and rural farmer to grow these crops,” he said.
He noted that returns increase over time as soil quality improves.
“If you grow a hectare of this crop, you can get about US$60,000. In the second year, you can go up to US$75,000 because the manure would have matured, and in the third year you are now talking of about US$95,000 per hectare,” he explained.
Beyond on-farm production, Nyabadza said the sector is poised to unlock vast value-addition opportunities in the food, medical and industrial sectors.
“A minimum of 45 products will come from organic garlic, ginger and turmeric. We are now in our eighth year of this exercise covering 31 districts, and we want to expand to all districts in the country,” he added.
In Murewa, a farmer from Zinhumwe Village said organic production has emerged as a viable and lucrative enterprise.
“We started with organic garlic using manure and no chemicals, and we did well focusing on this cropping cycle. We planted organic turmeric on 16 November 2025, and it takes six to seven months to mature. This is a high-value crop that does not require fertilisers. So far, we planted 0.4 hectares and we are looking forward to producing eight tonnes of turmeric, which can generate US$20,000. This is sandy soil where other crops are failing, hence the decision to plant organic crops. In future, we want to establish a factory here to process the products,” he said.
The shift has sparked optimism within communities, with villagers praising both the economic and health advantages.
“We are excited about the developments by our grandchildren. This will improve our health, and we want him to continue with production,” said one villager.
Another resident added:
“We are happy with this development of growing this crop with enormous health benefits. If we are attacked by ailments such as stomach pains, we can eat it and feel better. We hope that more people produce these organic products.”
With growing local and international demand, organic farming is steadily positioning itself as a key driver of rural economic growth and Zimbabwe’s broader agricultural transformation.
