Mozambique Sees 45% Surge in Vegetable Exports Amidst Resilience

Mozambique has achieved a 45% increase in vegetable exports in 2024, totaling $130 million. This growth is attributed to better production processes post-adverse weather in 2023. Bananas are the leading export, generating $29.4 million, particularly to South Africa. Former Minister Celso Correia noted the importance of social peace and anticipated a 5% production increase, despite challenges in technology and competitiveness.

Mozambique has demonstrated resilience in its agricultural sector, reporting an impressive 45% increase in vegetable exports during the first three quarters of 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. According to a central bank report, exports reached $130 million (£104 million) by the end of September 2024, a significant rise from $90.2 million (£72 million) in 2023. This growth was primarily attributed to the restoration of normal production and distribution processes after facing adverse weather conditions in the previous year.

The primary export, bananas, contributed $29.4 million (£23.5 million) to this increase, predominantly sold to neighboring South Africa. This marks an improvement from the $22.4 million (£17.9 million) generated in the same timeframe the prior year. In November, Celso Correia, the former Minister of Agriculture, expressed optimism for the upcoming agricultural campaign, highlighting favorable rainfall and predicting a 5% increase in overall output.

While expressing his positive outlook, Correia emphasized the importance of “social peace” in light of ongoing protests following the contested October elections, stating its necessity for uninterrupted production and family income. He also projected a 5% increase in production for the 2024/2025 season, owing to more favorable weather conditions, despite delays in sowing in central and northern regions.

Correia acknowledged the challenges posed by agricultural competitiveness, such as border contraband and the need for improvement in product quality. Furthermore, he noted Mozambique’s technological shortcomings in greenhouse farming, stating, “We still lack sufficient technology for off-season greenhouse production, unlike South Africa.”

Mozambique’s agricultural sector is rebounding remarkably, marked by a 45% increase in vegetable exports, primarily driven by bananas sold to South Africa. The optimism expressed by former Minister Celso Correia, alongside the emphasis on social peace, suggests a positive trajectory for the future of agriculture in Mozambique, despite ongoing challenges in competitiveness and technology.

Original Source: www.freightnews.co.za