Ukwe Beef Producers Cooperative, a young people’s farmer group based in Lilongwe, has made significant strides in livestock keeping, with a current stock of over 50 cows and 150 goats.
The group, which comprises of 50 members, buys and fattens cattle before slaughtering and selling beef to supermarkets, hotels and other butcheries.
Their farming activities are centered around producing high-quality beef, and they take pride in their uniqueness approach to cattle rearing.
“We are passionate about producing the best beef in Malawi and we are committed to using only the best practices in our farming activities,” said Benedicto Zimba, the group’s treasurer.
Ukwe Beef Producers Cooperative’s success in cattle keeping has not gone unnoticed.
The group has received recognition for its contributions to Malawi’s agricultural sector and its members are proud of what they have achieved so far.
The group’s farming activities have got a significant boost with the receipt of a matching grant of K175 million from the Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) 2 Programme, the grant will be used to enhance the group’s cattle production and supply chain.
“We are grateful for the support from AGCOM 2 Programme, which will enable us to take our farming activities to the next level.
“We plan to use the grant to construct a feed warehouse, purchase and install a cattle feed processing machine, and acquire a maize mill to collect maize bran,” said Zimba.
Dr. Ted Nankhumwa, National Coordinator for Agriculture Commercialisation (AGCOM), praised Ukwe Beef Producers Cooperative for their outstanding work in cattle keeping.
He said that It’s impressive to see young farmers like Ukwe Beef Producers Cooperative taking the lead in Malawi’s agricultural sector.
“Their commitment to producing high-quality beef is a testament to the potential of Malawi’s farmers to compete in the global market,” he said.
Dr. Nankhumwa also highlighted the importance of initiatives such as AGCOM in supporting farmers like Ukwe Beef Producers Cooperative.
“Our project aims to transform the agriculture sector into a high-productive commercial division and we are proud to be supporting innovative farmers like Ukwe Beef Producers Cooperative,” he explained.
According to Zimba, Ukwe Beef Producers Cooperative is poised to become a significant player in Malawi’s beef industry.
The group’s commitment to producing high-quality beef and its dedication to using best practices in its farming activities make it a shining example of Malawi’s agricultural potential.
