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COPAK, the Congolese subsidiary of Envirium Life Sciences, is pleased to announce the launch of a new project to revive vegetable farming in the Lubero region of North Kivu.
In partnership with Virunga National Park, 900 hectares of land were secured for the first phase of the project. The first white-fleshed potatoes have now been harvested and sold to the local population.
Located 1,500 meters above sea level, the Lubero region benefits from a cooler climate and reliable rainfall, creating ideal conditions for vegetable production. Local communities rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. Yet they face major challenges, including crop diseases, pests, and declining soil fertility. "With the guidance of international experts, we have selected white-fleshed potato varieties that are adapted and resistant to diseaseβ, explains Dimitri Moreels, founder of COPAK and co-CEO of Envirium Life Sciences.
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"In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, white-fleshed potatoes are regarded as a premium product, traditionally enjoyed on special occasions, continues Dimitri Moreels. Our ambition is to build a sustainable potato value chain, with a processing plant scheduled to open later this year to transform local harvests into high-quality products for regional markets."
"During our first five years, Envirium Life Sciences focused primarily on exports while creating added value locally," continues Christian Van Osselaer, Co-CEO of Envirium Life Sciences. "Today, we are entering a new phase by expanding our footprint and investing in agricultural production for the domestic market. This project reflects our commitment to strengthening local food production while creating lasting economic opportunities for farming communities."
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" By staggering our planting schedule across several plots, we ensure a continuous potato harvest throughout the season, explains Jean-ClΓ©ment Musango, Agricultural Project Manager- COPAK. After each harvest, we rotate crops with wheat, onions, and beans to restore soil fertility and keep the land productive."
Launched as a pilot in March, the project already provides daily employment for 40 members of the local community. All have been trained and supported by COPAK's agronomists. "This job provides extra income alongside my work as a seamstress, explains Kathungu Delesi. "It helps me feed my 12 children, pay for their healthcare, and rebuild my life after fleeing the conflict in Ituri Province." "I'm a farmer and usually work my own land," says Kakule Tengenea. "Until now, I'd never grown potatoes. This job gives me extra income to support my family, raise chickens and guinea pigs, and hopefully buy goats next."