Chief Chibwika Questions Kalene Plant Over Low Pineapple Purchases

Chief Chibwika of Mwinilunga District in North-Western Province has raised concern over the Kalene Fruit Processing Plant’s failure to buy pineapples from local farmers.

Speaking in Mwinilunga, the traditional leader said the plant has not been engaging farmers in his chiefdom despite the area’s ability to produce large quantities of pineapples.

“Our farmers have the capacity to supply the fruit, but the plant is not buying from them,” he said. “This situation is discouraging the people who expected a ready market after the plant was opened.”

He added that although the facility was set up to promote value addition and improve livelihoods, it is not operating at full capacity.

“It was meant to boost incomes and create opportunities, but that is not happening,” Chief Chibwika said, urging management to fully utilize the plant and prioritize local suppliers.

Some farmers in the district also expressed concern, saying the lack of a reliable off-taker has negatively affected their income and slowed plans to expand production.