Malawi chilli sector shows high export potential

Agricultural experts suggest Malawi can significantly increase export earnings and foreign exchange inflows by scaling up chilli production and investing in value addition. Current average yields are approximately 200 kilograms per hectare, a figure that experts believe can be raised through improved extension services and better farmer support.

While international demand remains strong, exporters face challenges in securing the large volumes required for trade. Traders often need at least 10 metric tonnes to fulfill orders, but production remains too fragmented and insufficient for individual growers or small cooperatives to meet these needs. Prices offered by traders currently range between K10,000 and K12,000 per kilogramme.

To improve competitiveness, industry leaders urge farmers to adopt better agricultural practices, including proper spacing, timely weeding, and effective pest management, while moving away from low-yielding local varieties. Additionally, smallholder farmers have called for stronger market linkages, lower transport costs, and better price coordination through organizations like the National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi to prevent exploitation by intermediaries.