In an effort to revive banana and paprika production, an agricultural firm called Synthesis Agriculture has launched farmer trainings aimed at reviving the high-value banana and paprika production.

The firm’s Managing Director Dickson Kilowe said the trainings were themed Restoring the Lost Glory in Banana and Paprika Production in Malawi. The development follows after a similar one in the same week, when a horticultural consultancy firm known as Agricos has announced that it aims to bring back the banana production, as the crop has been for long, ignored.  

Currently, bananas and tomatoes are barely considered for exports or bulk production, mostly because of lack of secondary processing. What is even more ridiculous is the fact that these items are not only brought into the country by local businesses, but also foreign investors who often get tax exemptions and preferential treatment. Agricos Commercial Manager, Winston Bergi, said it is a pity that Malawi is importing bananas when it has potential to revive local production.