ZimTrade has partnered with the PUM, a Netherlands business support organisation, to provide factory floor interventions as well as expert advice to small and medium scale farmers in the horticultural sector.
The interventions are aimed at enhancing productivity and export competitiveness through on-farm training.
“Through this partnership with PUM, we expect to address challenges along the horticultural value chain such as: agricultural input management; processing; packaging and labelling as well as production efficiencies, among others”, said the ZimTrade CEO, Ms Sithembile Priscilla Pilime.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ZimTrade and PUM is due to be signed between on 13 April 2016 in Harare.
PUM has implemented diverse and successful projects throughout the continent. A South African manufacturer of field service tool boxes and canopies, Rock Solid Industries, has grown into an international supplier after having benefited from a PUM intervention programme. The company is now supplying markets such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Local manufacturers, in liaison with the PUM representative in Zimbabwe, are eligible to apply for technical assistance.
Advertisement
Herbert Chakanyuka / April 9, 2016
Given PUM expertise I would propose the MOU should not be limited to horticulture but should cover a broad section of sectors. PUM is an Dutch Organisation of retired experts whose expertise covers a wide range of sectors. They have worked in Zimbabwe before assisting SMEs to improve their production efficiency and market competitiveness. Testimonials are there for companies they have assisted before. If the MOU covered a broad section of sectors it can be a platform to improve performance of SMEs in various sectors. This is a welcome development since horticulture has the potential to create more jobs and earn the country much needed foreign currency within a very short space of time.
/