The Ministry of Agriculture says it is in the process of implementing strategies that will ensure that farmers in the country have graduated from subsistence farming to commercial farming.
Minister responsible, Sam Kawale says among others, government has put in place strategies that will enhance irrigation farming being prioritised over seasonal production.
He has told ProjectM in an interview that this will ensure multiple harvests per year, boasting farmers’ income in the process.
“We are, among others, empowering extension workers in all the eight Agricultural Development Division (ADDs) with new knowledge on how they can ensure that farmers are harvesting more from irrigation farming,” Kawale said.
The minister has also indicated that government has set aside funds to be disbursed as loans to irrigation farmers through the state owned National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
“We believe through this strategy, farmers will access financial support desperately needed to enhance agricultural productivity,” said Kawale.
He further revealed that soon, government will start disbursing what he described as “Micro-loans”, targeting irrigation farmers located in districts where water sources for irrigation are in abundance.
“We are hoping to see farmers in lakeshore districts and along the Shire River benefiting from these loans,” he added.
Zomba-based farmer, Harvey Banda has since hailed the ministry, calling the new strategies progressive.
“As an ardent believer in irrigation farming, I am very happy with these strategies and I can’t wait to benefit,” said Banda.
