New fruit pest threatens exports

Philemon Jambaya

A new fruit pest known as oriental fruit fly, has invaded the country, threatening the country’s lucrative fruit production industry.

According to well-placed sources, the country has lost millions of dollars in potential revenue after shipments of the fruit to European countries.

The presence of the fruit fly will negatively impact on exports to Europe, the United Arab Emirates and China by the whole of Southern Africa.

“This is a quarantine pest and since it has been declared, there is need to do surveillance first in collaboration with the overseas markets before giving thumps up to the exporters.

“This announcement is a nail on the efforts by the government through the OPC, Ministry of International Trade, Zimtrade, Citrus Growers Association, Horticulture Promotion Council, farmers and citizens at large to export and bring in foreign currency.

“Zimbabwe and surrounding Southern African countries, in the meantime, may face an export ban for horticultural products after this announcement,” revealed an official who declined to be named.