Zimbabwe's blueberry industry shows potential

Zimbabwe has the potential to become a global powerhouse of blueberry production.

- - Lindi Botha

In less than five years, it has positioned itself as the second-largest producer in Southern Africa, behind South Africa.

"If subregional infrastructure, logistics, and plant health strategies are coordinated, the two countries could become the largest blueberry export hub in the Southern Hemisphere," Blueberries Consulting, an information platform for the global blueberry industry, reported.

While blueberry production has steadily increased over the last few years, with blueberry crops doubling to 12,000 t this year from 8,000 t last year, Zimbabwe still faces a host of challenges that need to be addressed before the country can reach its true agricultural potential.