Malawi can significantly increase export earnings and foreign exchange inflows by scaling up chilli production and investing in value addition, an agriculture expert has said.
FBS95 Business proprietor Mphatso Kalambo said in an interview on Monday that Malawi needs to raise productivity from the current average of about 200 kilogrammes (kg) per hectare through improved extension services and farmer support.
“Demand for chilli is high in export markets,” he said.
Kalambo said exporters struggle to source large volumes of chilli despite offering competitive prices of between K10 000 and K12 000 per kilogramme because production remains fragmented and insufficient.
“Traders often need 10 metric tonnes or more, but they cannot find such quantities from individual farmers, cooperatives or extension planning areas [EPAs],” he said.
Vickam Products team leader Chawanangwa Munthali urged farmers to adopt good agricultural practices to produce high-quality chili to compete on domestic and international markets.
He said proper spacing, timely weeding and effective pest management are critical to improving yields and quality.
“To compete locally and internationally, farmers should avoid low-yielding local varieties,” said Munthali.’
Nkhata Bay-based smallholder farmer Lameck Simwera said intermediaries often exploit farmers by offering low prices by taking advantage of the crop’s perishability and the lack of affordable transport options.
He appealed to organisations such as the National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi to strengthen market linkages in chilli-growing areas, help lower transport costs, facilitate price coordination and support the formation of cooperatives.
Data show that Malawi’s chilli exports are influenced by various factors, including market demand, production capabilities and trade regulations.
