The Mozambican Government has forecast the country will produce 12.26 million metric tons (MT) of food crops this year, with upticks expected for cassava, pulses, vegetables and cashew nuts, website Allafrica.com reported.

Agriculture Minister Jose Pacheco said flooding had wiped out 21,312 hectares of crops this season but this only represented 0.5% of planting areas.

Cassava would make up the bulk of production with 10.85 million MT, while vegetable and pulse harvests were expected to reach 975,000MT and 436,430MT respectively, the story reported.

Mozambique was expected to market 110,000MT of cashew nuts in this campaign, representing a rise of 15% on last season, the story reported.

"The challenges we face go beyond production in the fields, and we are thus banking on strengthening the entire value chain, from research and extension, supplies of inputs, through to marketing of surplus, processing and conservation," Pacheco was quoted as saying.

"Success in food production depends on the participation and commitment of all citizens - Let us all redouble our efforts in the great task of guaranteeing food and nutritional security, and turning agriculture into a business."

Photo: Alibaba

www.freshfruitportal.com