Zimbabwe increases citrus production as export volumes rise

Zimbabwe has made a successful start to the citrus export season and is expecting a rise in shipments thanks to favourable weather conditions and increased production. According to the country’s Horticultural Development Council, the lemon harvest has been completed, and packing houses are already preparing produce for shipment to overseas markets, whilst the harvest of other citrus varieties will continue throughout the season. This is reported by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.

Malaysia remains one of the main export markets, while Zimbabwe is expanding its exports to East Africa.

In the south of the country, plans are in place to export around 160,000 crates of grapefruit and 1.5–1.8 million crates of oranges.

According to official forecasts, orange production in the 2025–2026 season is set to rise by 18 per cent compared with the previous season – to 222,1 thousand tonnes – thanks to a 10 per cent expansion in orchard area (to 5,1 thousand hectares) and an increase in yield from 40 to 43 tonnes per hectare.

Lemon and lime production will increase by 11 per cent – to 7,462 tonnes – due to an expansion of orchard area to 182 hectares and an increase in yield from 38 to 41 tonnes per hectare.

According to data from the national statistics agency, between January and May 2026, export revenue from citrus fruits rose by 49 per cent to US$3.21 million, whilst the volume of exports increased by 59 per cent to 14,783 tonnes.

Grapefruit and pomelo showed the highest growth rates: exports rose by 205 per cent to 3,844 tonnes, whilst revenue almost tripled to US$617.500. Exports of lemons and limes rose by 25 per cent to 6,416 tonnes, whilst revenue increased by 76 per cent to US$1.17 million.

By 2030, the area of citrus orchards is planned to be increased from 4,000 to 8,000 hectares, which will create up to 24,000 jobs.