The market for chillies and processed chilli products is growing, providing farmers like Mogamat Abrahams with opportunities to broaden their product range. By doing so, he reduces reliance on a single product and taps into several income sources.
In this episode, Abrahams, who is based in the Western Cape, shares his journey into agro-processing and how it has boosted his chilli business.
Chillies are the most valuable player of crops. You can sell them fresh, and dried, or turn them into anything from hot sauces and relishes to even medicinal products. This adaptability makes chillies an excellent option for farmers seeking to enter agro-processing.
Versatile and perfect for diversification
“It’s a very versatile crop. You can sun it fresh, you can dry it, there’s value-added things you can do to it. It goes all the way up until medicinal products because of the capsaicin that’s in it that is extracted,” Abrahams says.
He has taken advantage of this versatility by diversifying his business to produce chilli sauces and relishes. His move into agro-processing has opened new markets and helped him get more out of his chilli harvests, especially during off-peak seasons when fresh chilli prices dip due to an oversupply.
“As soon as you make a cut or break or you change the natural nature of the thing, it becomes processed,” he explains.
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He says the simplest form of processing involves post-harvest activities such as grading, sorting, and packaging. However, secondary processing can provide even greater value.
Secondary processing refers to activities that require more time, energy, and technical input, such as drying chillies or creating sauces and relishes. This type of processing helps farmers preserve their crop, expand its uses, and sell it at higher prices.
“For example, you could take your entire crop and dry it, for example, so that you can get a better price during the peak seasons; better price for your crop than what you’re going to get fresh,” he says.
In this episode, Abrahams also discusses:
- Setting up a facility;
- Effective processing;
- Value-adding; and
- Overcoming challenges
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices)
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device
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