Zhou Yamin (1st R) stands on a farm on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, holding chili peppers. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
In late March this year, Zhou Yamin traveled from Ansha Town to the farm in Nairobi, where he carried out the first trial planting of 100 mu (6.67 ha.) of chili peppers. Seedlings emerged in May, and the harvest season officially began just a couple of days ago. "We harvest in batches and by area, picking every three days on average," Zhou Yamin explained. Currently, several hundred kilograms are harvested daily, and once the yield stabilizes, it could reach up to 5,000 kilograms daily, with the harvest period lasting three to four months.
The surprises came sooner than expected. Estimates show that the first 100 mu of chili peppers are projected to yield up to 4,000 kilograms per mu, far exceeding expectations. Beyond the yield, the quality is equally encouraging. "The soil in Africa is rich in nutrients, with strong sunlight, large temperature variations, and minimal seasonal temperature variation. The chili peppers grown here are uniform in size and color, crisp in texture, and have a rich, spicy flavor," Zhou Yamin said.
Mechanized equipment has been instrumental in growing good chili peppers. Rotary tillers, tractors, irrigation equipment, drying equipment—over ten production and processing machines were shipped from China to Kenya, arriving after more than 40 days at sea. During peak production periods, the farm hired over 30 local workers.
The chili peppers are grown, but how to find buyers? This was something Zhou Yamin had been planning even before his departure. Currently, the first batch of chili peppers are on sale in local markets and supermarkets in Nairobi, priced at 200 shillings per kilogram, with supply unable to meet demand.
What excites Zhou Yamin even more is the strong interest from the international market. In recent days, clients from France and Dubai have traveled specially to visit the farm. Zhou Yamin shared that once the yield stabilizes, he hopes to expand into the European market, and he is currently coordinating air freight with local airlines.
The "home front" in Changsha has also been busy. The agriculture company's two modern bases in Heping Village and Xinhua Village in Ansha Town serve as both technology "incubators" and variety "test fields." It was learned that four new sweet potato varieties have been planted at the bases recently, and after screening, the best varieties will be taken to Africa. Chili pepper varieties are also being updated in parallel, with trial planting and screening in Ansha followed by promotion alongside the African bases.
"The international market holds huge potential. Being able to bring domestic technology and varieties to Africa, I feel all the efforts are truly worthwhile," Zhou Yamin added.
In late March this year, Zhou Yamin traveled from Ansha Town to the farm in Nairobi, where he carried out the first trial planting of 100 mu (6.67 ha.) of chili peppers. Seedlings emerged in May, and the harvest season officially began just a couple of days ago. "We harvest in batches and by area, picking every three days on average," Zhou Yamin explained. Currently, several hundred kilograms are harvested daily, and once the yield stabilizes, it could reach up to 5,000 kilograms daily, with the harvest period lasting three to four months.
The surprises came sooner than expected. Estimates show that the first 100 mu of chili peppers are projected to yield up to 4,000 kilograms per mu, far exceeding expectations. Beyond the yield, the quality is equally encouraging. "The soil in Africa is rich in nutrients, with strong sunlight, large temperature variations, and minimal seasonal temperature variation. The chili peppers grown here are uniform in size and color, crisp in texture, and have a rich, spicy flavor," Zhou Yamin said.
Mechanized equipment has been instrumental in growing good chili peppers. Rotary tillers, tractors, irrigation equipment, drying equipment—over ten production and processing machines were shipped from China to Kenya, arriving after more than 40 days at sea. During peak production periods, the farm hired over 30 local workers.
The chili peppers are grown, but how to find buyers? This was something Zhou Yamin had been planning even before his departure. Currently, the first batch of chili peppers are on sale in local markets and supermarkets in Nairobi, priced at 200 shillings per kilogram, with supply unable to meet demand.
What excites Zhou Yamin even more is the strong interest from the international market. In recent days, clients from France and Dubai have traveled specially to visit the farm. Zhou Yamin shared that once the yield stabilizes, he hopes to expand into the European market, and he is currently coordinating air freight with local airlines.
The "home front" in Changsha has also been busy. The agriculture company's two modern bases in Heping Village and Xinhua Village in Ansha Town serve as both technology "incubators" and variety "test fields." It was learned that four new sweet potato varieties have been planted at the bases recently, and after screening, the best varieties will be taken to Africa. Chili pepper varieties are also being updated in parallel, with trial planting and screening in Ansha followed by promotion alongside the African bases.
"The international market holds huge potential. Being able to bring domestic technology and varieties to Africa, I feel all the efforts are truly worthwhile," Zhou Yamin added.
This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.
Translator: Yu Jiangjiang
Chinese source: Chinanews
Translator: Yu Jiangjiang
Chinese source: Chinanews
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