A Smart Farm Management Success Story: Mutorashanga Project
At FarmBuzz, we’re passionate about turning farming dreams into thriving realities. Today, we want to share one of our Smart Farm Management success stories that not only inspired us but also encouraged aspiring and young farmers to persevere in agriculture.
Two Brothers, One Vision
In April 2021, two brothers visited our office with an ambitious plan. They had just started renting a 5-hectare plot in Mutorashanga and wanted us to manage their farming projects while they continued their work in Harare. Before offering any advice, we conducted a thorough feasibility study—a critical first step to ensure customized solutions for every farmer.
Mutorashanga, a small ferrochrome mining town in Mashonaland West province, lies along Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke mountain range, about 100 kilometers north of Harare. While it’s known for mining, we live by the mantra: *”If they can’t mine it, we will farm it.”
Feasibility Study and Customized Planning
To understand the land’s potential, we conducted soil testing to assess any impact of ferrochrome on soil fertility. Based on the results, we decided to start with 2 hectares of tomatoes and 1 hectare of cabbage. The project kicked off with land preparation, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable journey.
One common question we faced was: “How did you plant tomatoes in winter on an open field?” Our answer: Yes, we survived the frost—and thrived despite it.
From Vision to Reality
We sourced high-quality seedlings from Harare, installed a wood cabin for local workers, and began the project in mid-May. Our agronomists visited twice weekly to oversee operations, and during critical phases like transplantation, we even stayed overnight. Every step, from planting to harvest, was managed with precision and care.
The Numbers Behind the Success
Here are the impressive results from the Mutorashanga project:
- Local Employment: 5 permanent workers and 15 part-time workers
- Duration: 5 months of production
- Crops Planted: 30,000 tomato plants and 30,000 cabbage plants
- Harvest:
- 200 crates of tomatoes harvested weekly for 8 consecutive weeks (supplied to the Bulawayo market)
- 18,000 heads of cabbage sold to Mbare
- Yield Rate: 86% success for both crops
Lessons Learned: Hard Work and Resilience
The Mutorashanga project is a testament to risk-taking, perseverance, and sheer hard work. Despite sleepless nights and challenges, we achieved an incredible yield and proved that agriculture can flourish even in unconventional settings.
Looking Ahead: Smart Monitoring for Smarter Farming
Our journey doesn’t stop here. We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our platform that will allow clients to remotely monitor farm progress from anywhere in the world. With this innovation, we’ll continue to revolutionize farm management and empower more landowners to achieve success.
Ready to Grow?
If you’re struggling to manage your farm, we’re here to help. Let’s turn your farming dreams into another success story, just like Mutorashanga!