Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) is one of the 15 research institutes in the Department of Research and Specialist Services of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanization and Irrigation Development. It consists of two research centers as follows:

Horticultural Research Centre (HRC)

Front view of HRC, Marondera

 Horticultural Research Centre (HRC) located within Grasslands Research Station Farm - on the 10 km peg before Marondera town. The Horticultural Research Centre is in the Highveld according to local geographical classification, and its latitude 18^o 11’, longitude 31^o 28’ E, and altitude 1630m. Average day-length is 13.2 hours in summer to 11.1 hours in winter. Rainfall averages 873 mm per year, temperature mean maximum are form 19.5 ^oC (July) to 24.6^oC (January). Hot summer is between September and December with October being the hottest month of the year with maximum temperatures above 30^oC.HRC is ideal for research and production of deciduous fruit trees, flowers, and traditional and exotic vegetables, and the cool weather limits work on tropical and subtropical fruits.

Nyanga Experimental Station (NES) is located in the Eastern Highlands in the Nyanga National Park- 15 kilometres away from Nyanga town on an 18^o south latitude and 33^o east longitude. The station is at an altitude of 1800 metres above sea level, falling within agro-ecological zone (Natural Region I) with the highest precipitation in Zimbabwe, with an average rainfall of 1200 mm per annum. Summer mean maximum temperature of 17^o C and a yearly mean minimum temperature of 15^o C. Frost is very prevalent in this area, and the soils are deep clay loam with a pH range of 5.5 – 6.0 (CaCl₂).

 INSTITUTIONAL MISSION

To carry out research for the generation of knowledge and relevant technology that is appropriate to Zimbabwe’s diverse climate and dissemination of quality services that will effectively improve horticultural production, increase income generation and improve household nutritional levels.

INSTITUTIONAL VISION

 To be a reliable source of horticultural technologies and information applicable to both large and smallholder farmers for the production of quality produce accepted even on international markets.

 INSTITUTIONAL MANDATE:

To research and disseminate production information, planting material and appropriate technologies on vegetables, deciduous, tropical, subtropical and nut fruit trees, flowers, herbs, spices, root and tuber crops as well as their post-harvest management.

VALUES

     1.  Integrity

2. Honesty
3. Intellectual independence
4. Commitment to excellence
5. Dedication to work

FUNCTIONS

1. 1.  Conduct public research in all horticultural crops except tea and coffee

2. Render advisory services to our valued horticultural clients and stakeholders
3. Farmer/ Extensionist training
4. Information dissemination- this entails production of fact sheets, production manuals, holding of field and farmers days, planning and review sessions, participation in national and provincial shows and establishment of demonstration centers.

Infrastructural Capacity

The Horticultural Research Centre is endowed with the following:

Mode of Funding:

1. Mainly fiscal
2. However, the Institute derives much of its energy from sell of its products and services.
3. The Institute has Agricultural Revolving Fund Projects aimed at raising funds for running operations.
4. Fast technology transfer
5. Talking our technologies such as varieties to our farmers can improve our justification for existence. However, this also calls for initial capital injection to facilitate mobility and staff up keep.
6. Improved interaction with our valued clients and stakeholders will not only streamline our research efforts but also create a window for mutual trust. It is our conviction that development can only result if players act in a harmonised and concerted way.