Zambia spent about US$432,000 in one year importing Bananas according to the trade statistics made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT.
Bananas, which are a good source of nutrients that help in low blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing cancer, can easily be grown in Zambia with the excess being exported to the near regional and neighboring countries.
An agriculture expert whose name has been withheld on request revealed to ZBT in an exclusive interview that, the production of citrus fruits in general is not included in the national Agro forecast because of the nature of their production as they do not have a specific period of harvesting.
The agriculture expert stated that notable banana production in Zambia is done in valley areas. Banana grows well in valley areas which are warmer because they are susceptible to the cold areas. The major areas where banana productions is done are Chirundu, Siavonga, Turnpike and Chilanga. There are also some commercial farmers dotted in different parts of Zambia who produce commercially.
Banana consumption is high in Zambia, for instance, the country imported about US$432,000 worth of bananas in 2018/2019 season. This is according to annual international trade statics. Zambia imports most of the bananas through the chain stores and large distributors.
Despite the fact that Bananas can be produced successfully in some parts of Zambia that meet international standards and quality, the production volumes of bananas remains unsatisfactory. Chain stores have to revert to imports to cover the gap.
The Agro expert told ZBT that “there is importation of bananas because there is no consistence in the local production, and the farmers who have banana plantation are located in different areas of the country and harvest at different times, but more can be done especially if Citrus fruits can also be included on the crop forecasts so that government takes a keen interest”.
