In Lilongwe, Malawi, the inaugural national banana industry conference convened on May 30, highlighting the unity across agricultural sectors. Emily Chirwa, a farmer from Nkhotakota and Ngana Banana Cooperative, showcased ripened bananas and homemade chips. Her comment, "These bananas paid my daughter's school fees," underscored personal stakes in sector growth.
Organized by Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, the gathering unified farmers, banks, cooperatives, and agricultural experts, reshaping perceptions of bananas as more than backyard crops. "Bananas are not just food. They are an economic opportunity," Minister Mumba stated, emphasizing agricultural importance.
Discussions emphasized custom financial products for banana farmers and reinforced support in irrigation and agronomy, with presentations from entities like NEEF, NBS Bank, National Bank, AGCOM, and the Ministry of Agriculture. Specialist Austin Ngwira noted the event's impact: "This is the first time all players in the banana value chain are speaking with one voice."
Encouraging the formation of a national banana growers' association, stakeholders sought to improve market access and advocacy. Technical support for managing banana disease and addressing erratic rainfall was also discussed.
Exhibitions from BOMFA Cooperative and Hortnet Ltd highlighted local innovation, offering products from banana juice to cosmetics. Student Elias Mbewe expressed newfound perspectives: "Now I see they are a business, a career, even a future."
Attendees acknowledged the leadership of Minister Mumba and the collaboration of government ministries in driving this sectoral initiative. Emily Chirwa expressed optimism, noting, "With the right tools and support, we can grow more than bananas. We can grow a future."
Source: Malawi24
