By Zione Chisale, Mulanje
Pineapple farmers in Mulanje District are facing potential losses after producing large quantities of pineapples without access to reliable markets, raising fears that much of the harvest may go to waste.
Chairperson for Tadzuka Nanazi Producers and Marketing Cooperative Society Limited, Davies Jaire, said this season’s harvest has been one of the best in recent years, but the lack of buyers has turned the bumper yield into a serious challenge.
“We have a lot of pineapples, but markets are not available, as a result, farmers are being forced to sell their produce at very low prices or risk losing it completely,” said Jaire.
To address the situation, Jaire has appealed for support to acquire a pineapple processing machine that would enable farmers to add value to their produce. He said with such equipment, farmers would be able to process pineapples into juice, dried fruit, jam and other products that have a longer shelf lifespan and attract better market prices.
The district’s Investment Promotion Officer, Robert Zingani, acknowledged the challenge and said his office is working with various partners to link farmers to potential buyers and promote processing initiatives.
Agriculture expert, Tamani Nkhono, said farmers should always secure markets before increasing production, adding that value addition remains one of the most effective ways to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ incomes.
