Zim food processor ropes in farmers to boost production

Prosper Ndlovu in GABORONE, Botswana

FARM produce processing company, Montgomery Processors, has reached out to farmers countrywide for partnerships to increase domestic production of Michigan pea beans and other cash crops to bridge the supply gap and boost output for both local and

export markets.

Through value addition and diversification, Montgomery Processors is already experiencing positive growth and now wants to tap into the export markets.

However, the main challenge is the inadequate supply of Michigan pea beans locally, which is the major raw material for baked beans.

Montgomery sales manager, Mr Alban Manjengwa, who is representing the company at the ongoing Global Expo Botswana 2025 here, said the value addition drive and growing exports cannot be fully achieved without robust farm production.

He said at the moment his company was importing 95 percent of Michigan pea beans and that they hoped to ride on domestic contract farming to at least deliver 75 percent local supplies.

“We want local farmers to help us bridge the supply gap and help us feed the continent. We are targeting 75 percent local supply by 2027,” said Mr Manjengwa.

He assured farmers of speedy payments within 21 days for their supplies and revealed that the business was willing to pay them about US$1 200 per tonne.

Montgomery Processors is among the 20 Zimbabwean companies that are participating in the neighbouring country’s premier trade expo.