A shortage of tomatoes supply is looming in Manicaland following the destruction of nurseries by heavy rains in the past months.
Frosty weather conditions has exacerbated the situation in the province.
Meanwhile, Agritex horticulture specialist Mr. Douglas Nzarayebani said much of the crop on the verge of ripening was affected by frost, which is likely to trigger an increase in tomato prices.
“Currently, we are having a shortage of tomatoes on the market. This is mainly because the tomato nurseries that had been prepared were destroyed by the rain in the past months.
“At the same time, this current cold spell is also likely to affect the crop’s production, because tomatoes do not do well under such conditions. This will result in low yields of the crop and a hike in prices,” said Mr. Nzarayebani.
However, Mr. Nzarayebani said vegetables and other horticulture crops will do well owing to the light showers experienced over the recent past weeks.