A group of goal-oriented farmers operating under the name Jinthajembe is reaping huge benefits from irrigation farming.
The group, based at Mphompha in Rumphi District is cultivating crops such as Maize, Potatoes and Beans on a piece of land measuring over 187 acres.
Although the 77-member group has just formed a farming alliance this year, notable rewards have started trickling in through various harvests made so far.
Jinthajembe group marketing chairperson Noris Munthali has told ProjectM in an interview that the farmers decided to form the cooperative after noticing other cooperatives making rewards in their areas.
“Earlier this year, we met as farmers with a shared vision and decided to try irrigation farming,” he said.
Munthali said after forming the association, the group decided to apply for a loan from the state-owned National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
“Luckily, we were granted a loan under the Micro Irrigation and Farm Implements loan facility,” said Munthali.
Their loan package included fertilizer, seeds, chemicals and PVC pipes for gravity-fed irrigation.
Using the materials, the group hit the ground running, cultivating Irish potatoes, Maize and Beans.
“As we are speaking, we have already started harvesting and selling the Irish potatoes and we have so far earned over K4 million in profits,” he added.
The group says it anticipates to earn over K20 million from the Irish potatoes sale alone and several millions from the sale of Maize and Beans.
Going forward, the group says it plans to venture into value addition to maximise its profits.
Meanwhile, NEEF chief executive officer Humphrey Mdyetseni has expressed delight with the group’s achievement.
“As NEEF, we are even willing to give them additional support because we have witnessed their capabilities,” said Mdyetseni.
