By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
SPICE Junxion, a company promoting Chilli as a commercial crop, has reassured farmers in Beitbeidge that it remains committed to buying back their produce once it is ready for market.
The company, through its Designation Officer Preacher Chemhere, approached farmers early last year with a proposal to introduce Chilli farming as a profitable commercial venture.
The programme was implemented with the support of Agritex.
A total of 13 farmers were sponsored under the initiative, with four farmers in Jopembe, six in Tongwe, and three in Siyoka participating.
From these farmers, Spice Junxion expects production to cover about 10 hectares.
Ziyah News Network followed up with Chemhere after the recent Chilli Field Day held in Jopembe Village to find out whether the company has begun purchasing Chilli from the farmers.
Chemhere confirmed that some farmers have already started harvesting, but explained that buying cannot begin immediately because the chilli must first dry properly.
“Some farmers have started harvesting, but we cannot purchase now as the Chilli needs to dry first,” he said.
“The drying process has been slowed by the rains we have experienced in the past weeks.”
He expressed hope that conditions will improve once the weather becomes drier, allowing farmers to complete the drying process.
Chemhere further assured farmers that Spice Junxion will honour its agreement once the crop is ready.
“We’re committed to buying back the dried Chilli as promised, honouring our partnership with farmers in Jopembe Village,” he said.
He acknowledged that heavy rains have created difficulties, including increased root diseases and delayed drying, but remained optimistic about the crop’s overall performance.
“The heavy rains have presented challenges, particularly with root diseases and drying the crop. However, the crop is showing strong growth, and we’re optimistic about the harvest once the weather dries up,” he added.
Chemhere also revealed that the programme is expanding beyond its initial target.
“We are expanding our programme hectares have grown from 10 to 21 since the Field Day and we’re working with government agencies to support our farmers,” he said.
“We have had 120 farmers from Jalukanga irrigation with 5 ha and 5 more individual farmers with a total of 6 ha,” he said.
He encouraged more farmers to join the initiative and benefit from the partnership.
“We invite more farmers to join us and benefit from this partnership,” he said.
The Chilli project is being viewed as a promising opportunity for farmers in Beitbridge District, with expectations that it will improve incomes once full production and marketing begin.