A Chongwe-based agricultural engineer Gift Mpundu has […]

A Chongwe-based agricultural engineer Gift Mpundu has revealed that he earns up to K50,000 in weekly revenue from green pepper production during peak market periods. In an interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Mpundu shared that he ventured into commercial green pepper farming in 2025 alongside two partners, investing in a one-hectare plot with 22,000 plants.

“We invested approximately K85 thousand of our own money into the project, covering certified seed, fertilizers, pesticides, a drip irrigation system, a water pump and wages for four workers, without relying on grants or external support,” he said.

Mpundu added that the crop was established using 90 centimetres between rows and 45 centimetres between plants, saying proper spacing ensured every plant received adequate sunlight, water and nutrients.

“We maintained strict spacing because farming is science, not guesswork, and that attention to detail made all the difference,” he said. Meanwhile, he told ZBT that the farm produces an average of 2 tonnes (2,000 kilograms), of green pepper per week, with prices averaging K15 per kilogram but rising to K25 per kilogram whenever Lusaka markets experienced shortages.

“At K25 per kilogram, a twotonne harvest gives you K50,000 in revenue in one week, and that’s when farming becomes a serious business,” said Mpundu. However, he said the venture also faced significant challenges after the crop was planted during the cold season in an open field, where low temperatures slowed plant growth and affected productivity.

Mpundu added that declining water levels in the Chongwe River forced the farm to ration irrigation, reducing the harvesting period to 4 months instead of the expected 8 months for the variety grown. He urged young Zambians to embrace commercial agriculture with proper planning. “Farming is about planning, precision and patience, so study the land, respect the seasons and prepare for the worst while hoping for the best,” said Mpundu.

Article by Phillip Sinkala