The apple industry is steadily growing in Malawi, particularly in the hilly areas of Mphompha in Rumphi district in the north of the country, according to an article in BNL Times.

Until now, apples grown from South Africa have dominated markets in Malawi, but the Farm Income Diversification Programme is hoping apples from Mphompha can compete nationally as well as internationally. The business passed the $1 million mark last year and Malawi apples are now being sold in the international chain store, Shoprite.

To further grow the business relies on increasing production. In Mphompha this is already occurring with 25,000 apple trees planted last year. It is expected that in 5 to 10 years, production will be 400 to 600 metric tonnes.

Farmers also need cold storage facilities and refrigerated trucks as well as training in business, marketing and financial management.

According to research by the World Agroforestry Centre, Malawi possesses fertile land with which it could produce all the fruit it needs.

Broad structural issues are hindering the development and success of the fruit industry in Malawi. These include poor transport and fresh fruit storage capability and lack of smallholder farmer expertise in sustainable propagation methods and business skills. Farmers also often have difficulty obtaining the initial capital they need to purchase inputs and equipment.

Read the full story: Rumphi apples offering love to chocking economy

See also: Commercial Opportunities for Fruit in Malawi. World Agroforestry Centre Working Paper 2009.