The entry of new investors is reviving the rice cultivation chain in the Limpopo irrigated region in Gaza province. This influx of investment is boosting not only production, but also rice prices, benefiting local producers. Previously, many producers faced losses due to the lack of a market, resulting in tons of rice being stored without a marketing agreement.
In the current 2022/2023 agricultural season, an agreement between producers, processors and the company Regadio do Baixo Limpopo has established a price of 17.5 meticais per kilogram for rice in both Xai-Xai and Chókwè. In addition, Jampur Group, a Saudi investor, will take over the marketing of rice in Chókwè, as part of its Chókwè Agro-Industrial Complex (CAIC) project, which includes the production of cereals, vegetables, poultry, footwear and field uniforms.
Another investor, the Chinese company Wambao, is also interested in buying rice from Chókwè at the same price. These Asian companies will compete with Calisto Seabra, a local producer, who has pledged to pay 22.00 meticais per kilogram.
The Governor of Gaza, Margarida Mapandzene Chongo, encouraged the Provincial Directorate of Industry and Commerce to continue attracting investment in order to turn local potential into wealth, creating jobs, transferring technology and increasing the availability of food.
With these new investments and partnerships, rice production and marketing in Gaza is gaining momentum, with 1,378.18 tons sold in the first quarter of this year alone, from various regions of the province.
