US$10m beans plant set for Mbala

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 10:46:46 +0000

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

MBALA will by next year begin exporting beans to neighbouring countries as well as China following a plant which will be set up by the private sector in the area at a total cost of about US$10 million.

This plant will also provide a readily market for beans outgrowers in Muchinga province.

According to the area Chief, Mathias Mphande, the setting up of the plant was meant to promote local beans to other countries, thereby providing a readily market for commodity outgrowers in Mbala.

Chief Mphande explained that about 3,000 hectares had been set aside to grow beans while buying from farmers around the province.

“We are going to set up a plant, it will be big and want to export beans as far as China and supply Zambia, Tanzania and Congo. The hospitality industry in Mbala will also be supplied that is our first target,

“Method of operation is that we want to outgrow. Mambwe grows beans as a cash crop. We are going to buy beans from as far as are Kawambwa, Isoka, Mpulungu and Mungwi  we are going to have about 3,000 hectares farm as the core issue where we can plant beans three of four times a year and harvest it,” he said.

The chief said in an interview that the project would also provide special bean seed to farmers which would attract the export market.

“Beans only takes three months so you can grow and harvest it yearly we should have a coffer and then we shall have out grower support with special seed and some inputs and supply then pay them cash,

“By next year the plant should be up and running. The total cost is estimated at about half a million dollars, the equipment also US$5 million,” Chief Mpande said.