The Avocado Grower Association Zambia (AGAZ) says the avocado industry in Zambia is reeling from a severe crisis as droughts have led to substantial tree losses among farmers.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Lungu revealed that the impact of the droughts has significantly affected production and revenue streams, with many farmers losing a large number of avocado trees.
Lungu expressed deep concern over the devastating effects of the water crisis, noting that most avocado farmers are unable to water their trees due to the lack of irrigation systems in their fields.
He added that this has resulted in major buyers running out of avocados due to the association’s inability to supply them.
Highlighting the broader implications of the crisis, Lungu emphasized the significant drop in production and its potential impact on revenue streams.
He underscored the industry’s previous success, citing the recent commencement of avocado exports, and lamented the current situation’s adverse effects on both farmers and the government.
Lungu drew attention to the government’s prior recognition of the avocado industry’s economic contributions, expressing concern that the crisis might overshadow the industry’s importance in policy discussions. He noted that while the government has historically focused on other agricultural initiatives, such as FISP, the avocado sector has been overlooked, despite a notable mention by the republican President Hakainde Hichilema.
Meanwhile, Lungu urged remaining avocado farmers to explore alternative, affordable irrigation methods, such as solar installations, to mitigate the impact of the water crisis on their plants.
