The Banana Growers Association of Malawi is supporting farmers with tailored-agricultural equipment loans to enhance productivity.
The association’s President Dr. Lemet Nthunzi Makombe says apart from land, limited access to modern farming equipment has been one of the problems banana farmers in the country faced, making it difficult for them to boost productivity and compete with larger more technologically advanced farmers.
Dr. Makombe, 29, from Thyolo District, told ProjectM that at least 1,000 local farmers across the country are earmarked to benefit from this initiative, ideally to not only improve their output, but also the quality of their life.
He adds: “The cost-effective equipment loan programme provides farmers and entrepreneurs with essential resources, including equipment, banana suckers that are free from diseases, fertilizer, chemicals and other farm implements amounting to K1 million per individual.”
This loan scheme has got flexible repayment terms and every farmer is asked to pay back the loan after a period of eight months.
The Thyolo-based agricultural expert explained that apart from providing specialised training and expanded market access, the association has decided to provide a direction for small-holder farmers in the country to enhance farming through innovation and technological advancements.
‘’We are encouraging all banana farmers in the country to get registered with Banana Growers Association of Malawi for them to benefit from programmes that can support their agricultural endeavors.
However, Martha Daudi, 45, from Sathe in Dowa District, who ventured into banana farming in 2015 said in the past, banana farming was the most underrated agribusiness venture.
How the situation is no longer the same as it has become one of the most highly profitable ventures particularly if varieties like Grand Nain, Dwarf Cavendish among others, are used.
Daudi told ProjectM that Banana farming has been beneficial that makes it an attractive venture for local farmers in the country.
She said that before these loans, most farmers faced challenges, citing fungus that were wiping out banana crops country.
‘’With the coming in of this agricultural equipment loan scheme, I have benefitted a lot such that for the first time in my life I managed to get K2 million through banana sales and be able to pay school fees for my children.
To my fellow women, I encourage them to venture into banana farming to help them diversify their revenue streams and achieve financial stability,’’ she said.
Formed in 2016, the Banana Growers Association of Malawi has 908 members from across the country.
For more information please you may contact Dr. Lemet Makombe on: +265 889 38 45 08
