GBI Greenhouse haulsK109m in first exports
The Greenbelt Initiative (GBI) Limited has generated $65 000(around K109 million) in its first export deal of bell peppers to South Africa, the firm has disclosed.
Addressing the press in Lilongwe on Thursday during the dispatch of a van headed for the rainbow nation, the company’s sales and marketing manager TamandaniChanza said they are weekly exporting as high as 20 tonnes.
She said: “Our export activities started four months ago. We have been exporting weekly, particularly bell peppers. These are of different colours namely red, yellow and green. The quantities have been changing as per their requirements and demand. The lowest we have sent is four tonnes.”
Chanza said so far 70 tonnes have been exported.
Located near Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, the GBI Greenhouse is a public-private partnership between the Greenbelt Authority and Inosselia Agro Africa Ltd that is implementing one of the largest greenhouse operations in southern Africa.
Chanza sounded optimistic that their export deal will open international doors for Malawian products.
“Our exports of green vegetables are the first of its kind for a mega farm in Malawi. It is something that has opened doors for all other businesses that would want to export.
“It has not been easy for us to make the breakthrough. However, this will generate more forex over time,” she added.
According to Chanza, the company has helped to reduce imports of fruits and vegetables, thereby saving the country’s foreign exchange.
Meanwhile, Greenbelt Authority agriculture production manager MesiahMoleni has said they are exploring international markets for other products such as tomatoes, cucumber and egg plants.
