Malawi Defense Force (MDF) soldier-cum agriprenuer Alfred Sithole is making strides through his farming venture which operates under the name Farm 99.
Sithole, a holder of diploma in agriculture from Mwimba College of Agriculture founded Farm 99 in Mchinji in 2023.
He said currently, the farm based at Walilanji in Mchinji where maize is being cultivated on a larger scale and Mchinji boma along the Bua River where a thriving Banana plantation is under development.
“I am currently a serving MDF soldier working under the military police battalion and of course a farmer who is in pursuit of excellence,” he said.
Sithole said Farm 99, currently has a combined 5 acres of land, offering a sustainable base for crop productivity and agribusiness innovation.
Through his farming venture, Sithole has gone a step further by forming a strategic partnership with Essential Vitalis, a Zambian-owned agricultural company headquartered in Russia.
“This collaboration supports the importation of quality agricultural inputs, helping to boost yields and enhance farm management practices,” said Sithole.
He said with discipline, foresight and commitment, he has managed to execute his duties as an MDF employee and a farmer without hurdles.
“Apart from embracing agribusiness as a viable path, I also would like to demonstrate that it is possible diversify livelihoods and contribute to the country’s food security,” he added.
Currently, Sithole makes profits through sale of maize and banana suckers with plans at an advanced stage to have permanent employees.
Alfred Sithole’s vision is to see his venture expand into a multi-million venture.
Lilongwe-based entrepreneur and renowned organic farmer Maloto Chimkombero has hailed Sithole for his resilience and innovation.
