By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
CHILI farming is steadily gaining ground in Jopembe Village, Beitbridge Rural District, where a field day was held at the homestead of small-holder farmer Violet Sibanda in Ward 4.
Sibanda is one of 13 farmers sponsored by Spice Junxion, a privately owned company in partnership with Agritex under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Spice Junxion Designation Officer Preacher Chemhere said the company approached farmers early this year with a proposal to introduce chili as a commercial crop.
“We encouraged farmers to try chili on a larger scale because there is a ready market,” he said.
“Spice Junxion will buy the produce per kilogram. We have four farmers here in Jopembe, six in Tongwe and three in Siyoka. From all 13 farmers, we are expecting about 10 hectares of production, and all of it will be purchased.”
Chemhere said chili can stay in the field throughout the year.
“It doesn’t produce as much in winter, but it remains productive,” he said.
“The crop can last up to three years, making it sustainable and profitable,” he said.
Agriculture Business Advisory Officer for Tongwe and Jopembe, Soga Margret, said it took time to convince farmers to adopt the new crop because chili was unfamiliar to many.
“Farmers started their seedbeds in May, but introducing a completely new crop wasn’t easy,” she said.
“Now that we have held this field day, more farmers are showing interest. Some have already approached us. We hope next year more farmers will join because chili is sustainable and has the potential to transform livelihoods,” she said.
She said support from private players is helping rural farmers access new markets.
“This partnership shows that when companies and farmers work together, communities benefit,” she said.
Host farmer Violet Sibanda said she was grateful for the support but hoped for more assistance as she expands.
“I am thankful to be part of this project,” she said.
“I planted in September, and even though I didn’t have enough space and couldn’t follow the exact spacing measurements, I’m hopeful for a good harvest.”
Sibanda said access to inputs remains a challenge.
“We still need help with fertilizer, water, and fencing to protect our fields,” she said.
“If those gaps are addressed, many farmers here can produce even more.”
Several farmers who attended the field day shared the view the project had opened their eyes to new farming opportunities.
One farmer said “Seeing these chili plants grow encouraged me. I didn’t believe this crop could do well here.”
Chili production is expected to expand in Beitbridge next season as farmers respond to the guaranteed market and increasing demand.