Côte d’Ivoire to establish major vegetable processing unit in Yamoussoukro

COTE D’IVOIRE – In a significant move for Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural sector, the Agro-Parc du Bélier, located in Yamoussoukro, will soon be home to a large-scale industrial unit dedicated to the storage, processing, and packaging of vegetables.

This announcement was made by Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food Production, on September 25.

Funded by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) with a budget of 14 billion CFA francs (approximately USD 23.8 million), the facility will enhance the country’s vegetable processing capabilities.

The new plant will feature multiple processing lines, including one for pulp production and another dedicated to juice.

With the ability to process up to 50,000 tons of vegetables per day, this initiative marks a major step forward for Côte d’Ivoire’s market gardening sector, which primarily supplies urban and peri-urban areas.

“The plant will also create 200 direct jobs and 420 indirect jobs through its construction and ongoing operation,” according to a government statement. These employment opportunities are expected to further support economic development in the region.

One of the main goals of this project is to tackle the high level of post-harvest losses in Côte d’Ivoire’s fruit and vegetable production.

Each year, around 15% of the country’s produce is lost due to inadequate storage and processing infrastructure. The new facility is anticipated to help lower this figure by offering more efficient storage and processing options.

The plant’s packaging station, which will handle large quantities of vegetables daily, is a critical component of the country’s broader strategy to add value to its agricultural produce.

By increasing the processing rate, the government hopes to boost both domestic consumption and export potential.

Currently, Côte d’Ivoire processes only about 1% of its fruit and vegetable production, primarily due to a lack of adequate conservation and processing facilities.

The investment in the Agro-Parc du Bélier is expected to significantly improve this situation, contributing to the country’s overall agricultural growth.

With a market gardening sector that produces around 700,000 tons of vegetables annually, Côte d’Ivoire’s vegetable production has been on a steady rise.

In 2022, the country produced approximately 769,247 tons of vegetables, a substantial increase from the 194,000 tons produced in 1973.

Key crops grown in the country include okra, tomatoes, onions, eggplants, and green beans. The northern regions, particularly Bouaké, Korhogo, and Ferkessédougou, are recognized as primary hubs for vegetable production, benefiting from favorable climatic conditions.

While Côte d’Ivoire exports a small share of its total vegetable production, improvements in processing and market access could unlock further growth in the sector.

Neighboring countries such as Liberia, Mali, and Burkina Faso are already significant importers of Ivorian vegetables, especially frozen varieties.

As the new processing unit comes online, it is expected to contribute to the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance food security, reduce waste, and strengthen the agricultural economy.

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