The Lilongwe-based Titha Kuwala Farmers Cooperative has received a significant boost following the provision of farm machinery and equipment worth K144 million with assistance from the Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) project, to enhance productivity.
The advanced machinery which include tractors, a ridge, a plough, and a planter, will efficiently and effectively elevate agricultural output on a 50-acre piece of land in Mchinji District.
The cooperative’s chairperson Martin Tembo is optimistic that the initiative will help to resolve some of the challenges that previously hindered their ability to scale production and fully participate in the soybean value chain, stating that they are set to produce over 330 metric tons of the produce.
Said Tembo: “The initiative marks a significant step in advancing agricultural productivity and supporting local farmers.
“Modern agricultural machineries support sustainable farming practices that lead to higher yields and better quality produce.
“This turn-over initiative is an important step in modernising farming which is expected to stimulate growth in the value addition chain, thereby benefitting small-scale farmers across the district.”
The group leader emphasised that modernisation of farming practices will, among others, reduce labour intensity and post-harvest losses, ultimately improving the efficiency of farming operations in the country.
He has highlighted the broader economic impact of this empowerment, emphasising that it will provide investment support small and medium sized enterprises.
Established in 2023, Titha Kuwala Farmer’s Cooperative, comprising 48 members, is one of the beneficiaries of the K566 billion World Bank funded AGCOM 2, project aims at supporting over 560 producer organizations across the country.
