Lilongwe-based Charuta Farm has made a breakthrough in apple production after decades of relying on imports, raising prospects for import substitution and export diversification.
The success was showcased at the farm on Friday where apples were sold at prices buyers described as affordable.
The farm’s chief executive officer Anita Singini said they imported wambugu apple seedlings from Kenya, which have adapted well to local conditions.
She said: “There has been a belief that Malawi cannot produce apples, but that narrative has now been challenged.
“The key is to ensure adequate water throughout the year and the crop is not labour-intensive.” she said.
Singini said the orchard was planted in 2023 and began producing fruit within nine months, adding that they are now working with the Ministry of Agriculture to promote wider adoption.
One of the customers Regina Milanzi said: “The taste and quality are almost the same as imported apples, but these are reasonably priced for our economy. This needs to be scaled up.”
Ministry of Agriculture director of agriculture extension services Pearson Soko said the development supports the country’s crop diversification and import substitution drive.
