Smallholder pineapple farmers in Ikelenge’s have hopes revived after Zambezi Pineapples announced the launch of a US$160,000 processing factory.
The new factory to benefit over 1200 farmers comes after the collapse of the old plant in the 90s.
Daniel Rea, Zambezi Pineapples managing director said the plant gives smallholder farmers access to continuous market for pineapples.
Dora Siliya, Minister of Agriculture said the plant will open up the area to additional investments as the demand for inputs – transport and banking facilities among others in response to increased economic activity in the area.
She said the factory will create the much-needed revenue to support other sectors of the economy. So far, 15 direct jobs have been created, as a result of the factory.
