|
Giovanni Alfano Farm, a flower and vegetable-growing
farm started operations on Monday, November 23,
2009, in Bahir Dar, by starting the construction of
greenhouses and beginning work on its open-air
cultivation.
Giovanni Alfano, a private investor in Sicily, Italy
owns Alfano Fiori Farm where it produces cut-flowers
and vegetables for the European market. The farm,
which lies on 130ht, leased for 20 years, is the
first of its kind in the entire region, although
nine others followed it, Kassa Tekle-Berhan, head
with the Amhara Trade and Industry Bureau told
Fortune.
Ten of the 12 farms in the region are located in
Bahir Dar, while the other two are found in North
Shewa and South Wello.
The bureau facilitates the provision of land, water,
and electricity. The farm, which was licensed in
August 2008 with an investment capital of 125
million Br, will start production of flowers by
March 2010, Michele Castellucci general manager at
Giovanni Alfano Farm told Fortune.
Castellucci said that
the intention to start construction within six
months of leasing the land was delayed because of
the financial crisis which restricted their access
to construction materials for the greenhouses; he
also listed water as one of the problems it has
faced.
He said that Bahir Dar was chosen for the farm
because of its elevation of 1,840 metres above sea
level, which he said was suitable for agro-industry.
The construction work includes ponds for water
collection and warehouses, flower and vegetable
stores and staff offices. The materials for the
construction of the greenhouse were supplied by FA
Greenhouse Business Plc, which imported them from
Ecuador in September 2009.
Bahir Dar is equipped
with an international airport; however, there are no
cargo flights to and from the city. Castellucci said
that the Ministry of Transport and Communications
has assured the farm that by the time they are ready
for market, transportation would be made available.
Castellucci said that they will use trucks until the
promised cargo flights become available.
“We have experience in handling such problems. We
used trucks to transport our cargo from Sicily to
Tuscany,” He said.
The Trade and Industry Bureau has provided the farm
with 10,000 litres of water to help it get started
with construction. Castellucci says that up to 600
people could be employed when the farm begins full
operation. |
