Paprika production to remain stagnant

Paprika production is expected to remain stagnant because of the ongoing agrarian reform and the shortage of inputs such as fertiliser. Paprika relies heavily on fertiliser and chemical applications like ammonium nitrate that is vital for leaf development and increases the crop's tolerance to disease and pest attack.

This year's crop was 12 984 tonnes slightly up from the previous year's 12 789 tonnes. Zimbabwe exports up to 98 percent of the crop and last year's crop is estimated to have earned the country about $5 billion.

Prices that were around $350 a kg at the beginning of the selling season had shot up to $1 500 a kg by the end of the season. Major producers of paprika are Spain, Hungary, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Peru and India.

© Insider Publications 2003. This story is available for syndication. Contact the publisher at insider@ecoweb.co.zw or charlesrukuni@yahoo.com