Stakeholders call for more cold room facilities

The Zambia Fruits and Vegetables Association has called on the government to consider investing in cold-room facilities across the country, in order to support the growth of the fruit and vegetable value chain.

Association President Bernard Sikunyongana says cold-room facilities are critical to preserving the shelf life and quality of fresh produce, while ensuring that Zambian fruits and vegetables meet export standards.

In an exclusive interview with ZANIS in Lusaka, Mr Sikunyongana said Zambia’s ambition to become a food basket for the region can only be achieved if the country puts the necessary infrastructure in place, needed to support agricultural production and exports.

He said cold rooms are particularly important for products such as mangoes and pineapples, which Zambia has the potential to export in large quantities.

Mr Sikunyongana said Zambia’s land-linked position gives the country an advantage in accessing regional markets, where demand for fresh produce remains high.

He said the country can reduce its dependence on imports from countries such as South Africa by developing its own capacity to produce, preserve, add value to and export fruits and vegetables.

Mr Sikunyongana further noted that investing in cold-room infrastructure will not only improve Zambia’s export capacity but also create jobs, increase income for farmers and strengthen the country’s position as a regional food supplier.

He said the country should look beyond maize and place greater emphasis on fruits and indigenous produce that have the potential to compete in regional and international markets.

Mr Sikunyongana said the establishment of an effective cold-chain system will be key to transforming Zambia into a regional hub for fruit and vegetable trade.