Mozambique Agrotur Chimanimani AA Washed

Motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on the environment, rural development, and the well-being of families in the buffer zone of the Chimanimani National Park, Agrotur was initiated to be an innovative project. Their goal being to set an example for young Mozambicans, showcasing how agriculture can contribute to the country's development and uplift families from extreme poverty, enabling them to shape their own destinies.

Agrotur, a Mozambican enterprise led by Executive Administrator Francisco Mandlate, originated from his journalistic background. Through his experiences in journalism, Francisco gained insights into agricultural practices in Mozambique, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, and the United States.

At the heart of their operations is coffee production, with a specific emphasis on organic methods and zero carbon emissions. Employing manual processes ensures soil health and coffee quality. The harvesting is meticulous and manual, selectively picking only ripe fruits, which are then naturally sun-dried or pulped. As a unique touch, some of the coffee undergoes fermentation with Aloe Vera extracts, resulting in a distinctive product known as Aloe Coffee. Agrotur is committed to promoting sustainable practices and demonstrating the potential for positive change through responsible agriculture.

Farming

Agrotur cultivates the following varieties of coffee along the Chimanimani mountain range: Arara, Japy, Acauã, Catmor 128, Costa Rica, Catucai 785-15, Siriema, Geisha, Marsellesa and Starmaya. This selection was picked for drought resistance and immunity to diseases and pests.

To fertilize its agricultural fields and those of integrated peasants, Agrotur uses the following organic products and natural minerals:

• Rock dust

• Bovine steric

• Chicken steric

• Bat guano

They also use organic compounds obtained from the cultivation of earthworms and straw from vegetable waste. In the future they hope to work with local authorities to collect organic waste and compost it.

Disease and pest control is managed through a variety of organic methods, namely:

• Organic compound: mixture of piri-piri/tobacco with soap and water

• Use of castor/castor leaf syrup

Bordeaux mixture: quicklime, copper sulphate and water

• Repellent native plants: erythrin and albizias available in the region

• And the use of effective Microorganisms (Inoculants)

The Chimanimani moutain range is a degraded region due to gold mining and forestry exploitation. Agrotur is carrying out reforestation with coffee and native forest and fruit species. Typically, they plant 3300 coffee plants on each hectare, intercropped with 400 different fruit trees and 300 trees of native forest species. They further plan to begin the production of honey due to its great influence on coffee production and intercropping of crops such as legumes, vegetables, tubers and cereals.

Country | Mozambique

Producer | Agrotur

Varietals | Catimor 129, Catucai 785/

Processing Methods | Fully washed (naturals and honey coming in 2024)

Altitude | 700 - 1500 m.a.s.l

Average Rainfall | Up to 1200 mm per year

Temperature Range | 18 - 25 degrees celsius

Drying Methods | Sundried

Harvest Date | September 2023