Mozambique Banana Production

The article "Mozambique Enhances Banana Production," dated April 5, 2021, can be summarized as follows in English:

Mozambique takes a significant step to boost its banana production with the inauguration of a new banana processing facility at Bananalândia in the district of Moamba, Maputo province. The new processing unit reinforces Mozambique's banana production capabilities for the fruit, which is the fourth most-produced food crop in the world after rice, wheat, and maize.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mozambique produces about 500,000 tons per year of bananas, with the production split between the family sector (74.5%) and the commercial sector (25.5%).

The commercial sector comprises nineteen companies operating in the provinces of Maputo, Gaza, Manica, Nampula, and Cabo Delgado. Over 70% of their output is destined for export, primarily to the South African market, utilizing intensive agricultural inputs and modern technologies.

Bananas hold significant socioeconomic importance for Mozambique, contributing to the general well-being of rural communities, food security, income generation, and job creation.

Yields for banana production are estimated to be about 6.4 tons per hectare for the family sector, versus 45 to 60 tons per hectare for the commercial sector.

Banana diseases like Panama Disease (Foc TR4) and Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) have made significant impacts on the national banana industry, causing a reduction of about 22% in national banana production.

Nevertheless, production is expected to increase as new investments are made, and disease control and management measures are implemented. The country aims to produce 800,000 tons by 2025.

Bananas, with an annual production value of about 16 billion Mozambican Meticais, contribute 4.9% to the value of Mozambique's agriculture and rank sixth in terms of contribution. Approximately 963,000 Mozambican families rely on bananas as a source of income, and the commercial production employs 6,274 permanent workers. It also contributes to the freight of 6,150 truckloads of 30 tons for exports.

Mozambique is self-sufficient in banana production, with about 22% of national production being exported, accounting for 5% of the country's agricultural exports.