The Zambia Development Agency has encouraged the nation to consider venturing into avocado farming as it poses great market opportunities both locally and internationally.

Recent research indicates that Avocados have become a high value crop due to their immense nutritional properties, medicinal values and is also being widely used in the cosmetics industry.

Speaking when the Agency paid a courtesy call on Moriah Gardens in Lusaka Makeni area, ZDA board Chairman Fisho Mwale said in line with government direction of economic diversification, Avocado farming poses great opportunities for employment and wealth creation because of its demand both on the local and international market.

Mr. Mwale said young people must embrace farming as the sector has immense opportunities.

“As ZDA, we are enthusiastic to help farmers to grow avocados especially the Hass Avocadoes which are said to have high oil content of and have long shelf life,” explained Mr. Mwale.

Mr. Mwale said the Agency is also re engaging the various chain stores and super markets to ascertain the amount of shelf space they have allocated for local products especially in the wake of Covid 19 as government is prioritizing import substitution due to lockdowns in some countries.

“The Agency will see to it that the shelf space for Zambian products in these chain stores and super markets is increased so that more small and medium enterprises can supply their products and earn an income, create jobs for others and improve their standards of living,” elaborated Mr. Mwale.

And Moriah Gardens proprietor, Engineer Bernard Chiwala who is planting nursery for Hass Avocados among others said there is need for government support in avocado farming as it posed great opportunities for the country.

Mr. Chiwala estimated that one hector of avocados would give a farmer an earning of not less than one million Kwacha every year once they start to produce fruits.

He said on average the Hass Avocados take three years to commence harvesting and will keep producing for over 25 years.

“Currently we have an off taker looking to be supplied with 8 tonnes of the fruit per day and we don’t have the capacity, hence we are looking for more players to get involved” disclosed Mr. Chiwala.

“If the youth can be given hectors of land for avocado plantations, it can increase the number of jobs and wealth in the country,” he said.

The Moriah Gardens proprietor said they are also training the youth in avocado farming and have created an association for avocado farmers.