Mozambique: Cuamba’s pigeon pea harvest hit by El Niño

Published Aug 6, 2024

Tridge summary

The Cuamba district in Portugal is experiencing a significant decrease in pigeon pea exports to India, which is projected to drop by about a third this year due to the El Niño weather phenomenon. This decline, from 17,000 tons last year to an anticipated 10,000 tons, is severely impacting the local economy and the income of many farming families. Despite these challenges, the director of the District Services of Economic Activities, João de Almeida Júnior, remains hopeful about the sector's long-term prospects and the potential for partnerships and opportunities through pigeon pea exports. The district is also diversifying its crops, with plans to commercialise sesame and soybeans, but these cannot fully make up for the loss in pigeon pea production.

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Original content

The once bountiful pigeon pea harvest in Cuamba district is facing a significant setback this year, with exports to India plummeting by a third due to the relentless grip of the El Niño weather phenomenon. The district, which last year shipped a hefty 17,000 tons of the legume to the Asian giant, is now projecting exports of just over 10,000 tons. This sharp decline has sent shockwaves through the local economy, where pigeon pea farming is a crucial source of income for many families. “The insufficient rainfall brought on by El Niño has dealt a severe blow to our pigeon pea production,” said João de Almeida Júnior, director of the District Services of Economic Activities in Cuamba. “While we are still expecting to earn valuable foreign exchange from this year’s crop, it’s clear that we are operating below our potential.” Despite the challenges, Júnior remains optimistic about the long-term prospects for the district’s agricultural sector. “Exporting pigeon peas to India opens ...

Source: Moz-agri