Exports of macadamia nuts have continued to improve, peaking at $6.8 million (about K12 billion) in the first five months of this year, becoming the third biggest export crop during the review period after tobacco and tea.
Industry stakeholders and experts say macadamia nuts have huge potential because of high prices the crop fetches on the global market at $13 (about K 22 763) per kilogramme (kg).
National Statistical Office International Merchandise Trade Statistics Report shows that macadamia nuts exports cumulatively reached $6.8 million, a jump from $3.2 million (about K7 billion) during the same period last year.
In an interview, one of macadamia nuts farmers Professor Macpherson Mallewa, who is growing the crop at his 36-hectare farm in Nyungwi, Chiradzulu District, said it is true that the crop has significant value due to good prices buyers are offering on the global market.
“I have not started selling because I have just switched from growing coffee to macadamia and I can confirm that it is an exciting farming, profitable and suitable for Malawi because macadamia trees can grow in all parts of the country,” he said.
Mallewa, who is also Kamuzu University of Health Sciences Vice-Chancellor, said compared to coffee, macadamia is not capital-intensive apart from the waiting period for the trees to start producing.
He said macadamia farming is a long-term investment venture.
Thyolo-based 700-farmer Kambiri Macadamia Cooperative chairperson Moyenda Mphanje said their local off-taker, Sable Farming, buys at around $5 (K8 755) per kg.
He said: “This year, we produced six metric tonnes and our off-taker offered $5 per kg, which is better compared with other crops, including tobacco.
“Our members are, therefore, not complaining while we also believe the commercial estates that process the crop for exports are also profiting because the global prices are around $13 (about K per kg.”
National Planning Commission communications specialist Thom Khanje, whose organisation touted macadamia nuts as one of the high-value crops, described the improved exports as inspiring and motivating to farmers and the industry because of the crop’s potential.
“This is not surprising because we already analysed the country’s macadamia industry as one with great potential because of the growing demand of the product on international markets, which augurs well with Malawi’s diversification needs to improve exports,” he said.
One of the biggest macadamia production financiers Old Mutual Investment Group (Omig) is quoted as having confirmed that they started exporting the product and targets exporting value-added macadamia.
Omig managing director Mark Mikwamba said two macadamia ventures the firm is financing, Gala Investments in Mchinji and Jacoma in Kasungu, are already exporting the produce.
