Shashe Scheme to get global export certificate

ELLEN MLAMBO
TWO NATIONS REPORTER

BEITBRIDGE- Shashe Irrigation Scheme is set to receive a Global Gap Certification by the end of 2023 enabling the scheme to export its citrus fruits to Europe.
Shashe is in the border town of Beitbridge and one of the biggest irrigation schemes with over 100 hectares.
Scheme Irrigation Management Committee (IMC) chairperson Mudau Masocha confirmed the development to Two Nations in a telephone interview.
Global Gap is a private sector body that sets voluntary standards (based on Good Agricultural Practices) for certifying agricultural products around the globe.
Masocha said they expect to get the certification in the last week of this month (July).
The scheme is being supported by Cesvi, an Italian non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) established in 1985 in Bergamo (Italy). Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA oversees management of all the 450 irrigations in the country.
Cesvi Head of Mission Alessia Moretti also confirmed the development to The Mirror.
She said they are in the process of training the Shashe Irrigation Management Committee (IMC) to effectively manage the certificate and its status once they receive it.
Cesvi hired a consultant through Zimtrade for the trainings and guidance to ensure that all requirements are met before they are certified.
Last year the scheme exported 60 tonnes of oranges from the demonstration block to European Countries through Nottingham Estates through facilitation from Cesvi and received US$15 000.
In 2018 the scheme sold 500 metric tonnes of oranges and the quantity dropped to 250 metric tonnes tonnes in 2019. In 2021 production improved and the scheme sold 774 metric tonnes to Beitbridge Juice Plant at 12 cents per kg. In 2022 production increased to 1320 metric tonnes.
The irrigation is, however, yet to have its own pack house facilities.
Zimtrade hired consultancy, Bolton Compliance Consultancy Group member Bolton Kudzai Kakava said the application was made last year and approved.
He said the scheme’s audits are the only outstanding step in getting the certification.
Shashe Irrigation Scheme was modernized in 2011 by Cesvi. There are four blocks with 90 hectares of citrus oranges, 30 hectares of food security and a two and a half hectare demonstration block. Government donated a centre pivot under the food security block was provided by Government.
The scheme comprises of 186 farmers and three schools, Shashe primary and secondary schools and Mapani Primary.
Cesvi with funding from the European Union has donated three centre pivots, two Isuzu pick-up trucks, established citrus orchards, constructed an administration block, facilitated a look and learn visit for farmers to a community run project in Mabunda Community, Giyani in South Africa in August last year, paid for a citrus short course for an Agronomist, Godman Moyo, a farmer (Ellen Chauke) and an Agritex officer (Michael Mteedzi) in May last year among other developments.
Oranges are sold collectively to Beitbridge Juice Plant and proceeds are shared accordingly.