COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON THE JUST-ENDED MORINGA FARMING, VALUE ADDITION, PROCESSING, AND EXPORT WORKSHOP FACILITATED BY HUNTER.

Introduction

The recently concluded Moringa Farming, Value Addition, Processing, and Export Workshop was a highly impactful event that provided Moringa farmers, agro-processors, and stakeholders with critical insights into the export market, particularly for Germany. The workshop was facilitated by Hunter, the Executive President and Founder of Farmer’s Pride International (FPI), a subsidiary of Hunter’s Global Network. He also serves as the Co-Director of the newly formed Agro-Processing Hub of Botswana, legally registered as Prime Promotions Botswana.

The two-day workshop was held both online and in person and  graced by esteemed guest speakers, including:

• Dr. Hendriks – (Online) A Moringa off-taker based in Germany, who provided crucial insights into market expectations, hygiene standards, and export requirements.
• Ms. Banusi Mbaakanyi –  (In Person) Co-Director of Prime Promotions Botswana, who spoke on the importance of value addition and opportunities in local and international markets.
• Professor Kevin Wilson – (Online) Deputy President and CEO of Farmer’s Pride International (FPI), who emphasized the significance of proper farming techniques, processing standards, and international trade compliance.

The workshop featured practical sessions, including a field visit to a recently harvested Moringa farm owned by Mr. Mogometsi Madisa, the Coordinator of the Moringa Project. This hands-on experience provided farmers with direct insights into best practices, quality control, and processing requirements for export.

The event was widely covered by Botswana Television, highlighting the national importance of Moringa as a potential high-value export crop.

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Workshop Highlights and Key Takeaways

1. Moringa Farming Best Practices

Participants were educated on sustainable and organic Moringa farming practices, focusing on:

• Proper soil preparation and planting techniques to enhance yield.
• Water conservation methods, including irrigation best practices.
• Disease and pest control using organic solutions.
• The importance of maintaining high-quality, contaminant-free Moringa leaves.

 

2. Hygiene and Safety Standards for Export

A major highlight of the workshop was the strict hygiene and food safety requirements for Moringa exports to Germany. Dr. Hendriks, the off-taker (Buyer)  from Germany, challenged Botswana's farmers, stating that he could purchase even 100 tons of Moringa if farmers adhered to strict hygiene standards. He emphasized:

• No collection of fallen Moringa leaves from the ground, as this increases contamination risks.
• Workers must not wear gloves and masks while handling Moringa leaves, as they may transfer foreign contaminants. Instead, hand washing and proper drying methods must be prioritized.
• Chickens and other livestock should not be allowed near Moringa farms, as they may introduce Salmonella, E. coli, and other harmful bacteria that can lead to export rejection.

3. Value Addition and Processing

Farmers were taken through the entire value addition and processing chain, which included:

• Proper harvesting techniques to maintain nutrient integrity.
• Drying methods that comply with international food safety standards.
• Grinding and packaging requirements for export-quality Moringa powder.
• Testing and certification requirements to meet European Union (EU) regulations.

4. Export Opportunities and Market Access

The workshop provided farmers with direct insights into the European Moringa market, with a particular focus on Germany. Key export opportunities discussed included:

• The rising demand for Moringa powder and oil in Europe.
• How Botswana can become a major Moringa supplier through quality assurance.
• The importance of forming cooperatives and farmer clusters to meet bulk export demands.

5. Field Visit to Moringa Farm

A visit to Mr. Mogometsi Madisa’s Moringa farm provided a practical demonstration of good agricultural practices (GAPs). The session focused on:

• Proper harvesting techniques.
• Post-harvest handling to reduce contamination.
• Storage and packaging to maintain freshness and quality.

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Media Coverage and Next Steps

The workshop was extensively covered by Botswana Television (BTV), further raising awareness about the economic potential of Moringa farming in Botswana.

Upcoming Workshops in Botswana

Due to the success of the event, the next phases of the workshop tour are scheduled as follows:

• Bobonong (Central District): 14th – 15th February 2025
• Palapye: 22nd – 23rd February 2025
• Francistown: Second week of March 2025

These workshops will continue to equip Moringa farmers with practical skills to meet international standards and successfully export to Germany.

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Conclusion

The Moringa Farming, Value Addition, Processing, and Export Workshop was a major milestone in Botswana’s journey towards establishing itself as a key exporter of Moringa products. The commitment by Dr. Hendriks to purchase up to 100 tons of Moringa presents a golden opportunity for farmers, provided they adhere to strict hygiene and processing standards.

With ongoing support from Farmer’s Pride International (FPI), Prime Promotions Botswana, and international buyers, Botswana is well-positioned to become a leading supplier of high-quality Moringa to global markets.

The next workshop phases in Bobonong, Palapye, and Francistown will further strengthen this initiative, ensuring that more farmers benefit from the lucrative Moringa export market.

For more information, visit Farmer’s Pride International or contact Hunter, the Executive President and Founder of FPI, at info@farmerspride-int.org.

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