In an effort to promote mechanised farming and improve productivity among local farmers, the Comitato Internazionale Per Lo Sviluppo Dei Popoli (CISP) has donated a power tiller tractor to Tipindule Rice Seed Multiplication Group in Traditional Authority Malengachanzi, Nkhotakota.
The donation, made under the Smart Climate Project, is aimed at helping farmers transition from traditional, labour-intensive methods to more efficient farming practices that support high yields and contribute to Malawi 2063 development goals.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, CISP Country Representative Moses Ngwalo said promoting the use of modern farming equipment is crucial in transforming agriculture, especially in the face of climate change.
“We all know that traditional farming methods can be labour intensive and time consuming. This machine can work for eight hours a day and till about three to four acres depending on the nature of the land,” said Ngwalo.
He added that embracing mechanised farming is not only about increasing production but also improving livelihoods by reducing the physical burden on farmers.
Receiving the power tiller, Bolden Phiri, Chairperson for Tipindule group, described the donation as timely and vital for boosting rice production in the area.
“This machine will help us cultivate more land faster, which means more rice and more income for our members,” said Phiri.
As part of the same project, CISP has also injected K14 million into a revolving fund for the Nkhotakota Village Savings and Loan Association, enabling farmers to access financial support for expanding their farming activities.
The Smart Climate Project is a three-year initiative funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, currently being implemented in Nkhotakota and Karonga districts.
It seeks to equip communities with climate-resilient tools and practices to enhance food security and economic empowerment.
