By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Beitbridge — A $15 million juice extraction plant owned by Orange Ville under Bishopstone Estates has set Beitbridge on a new path of agricultural and industrial transformation, turning what was once a dry, animal-grazing region into a green, thriving citrus hub.
Established in June last year, the Orange ville plant sits on 700 hectares of orange trees, with plans to expand to 1 500 hectares by June next year and 3 000 hectares by 2027.
The ambitious project is expected to produce 200 000 tonnes of fruit by 2030, positioning Beitbridge as one of Zimbabwe’s major citrus producers.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who toured the plant as part of his flagship projects visit in Matabeleland South, described Bishopstone Estates as “a shining example of private sector contribution to government policy, particularly in food security and rural industrialization.”
Chiwenga said the project had transformed Beitbridge’s agricultural landscape and was proof that Matabeleland South could contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s economic development.
“I am proud that as a region we are going to contribute significantly to the national GDP,” said Chiwenga.
“Agricultural innovation such as this creates jobs, supports rural livelihoods, and drives inclusive growth. Bishopstone Estates is a shining example of how the private sector can advance government policy in food security and rural transformation” he said
He commended the estate for its vision, resilience, and leadership, describing the project as “true private-sector-led economic growth.”
Chiwenga urged Orange Ville to deepen its ties with the surrounding communities through contract farming and partnerships with smallholder farmers.
“The feedstock must come from local communities,” he said .
The state-of-the-art plant, located deep in rural Beitbridge, uses cutting-edge machinery the first of its kind in Southern Africa capable of preserving juice for up to two years.
In his welcome remarks, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Albert Nguluvhe applauded the investment, saying it had redefined the province’s agricultural identity and created jobs while supporting local infrastructure development.