ADD advises farmers to use improved seed

Salima Agricultural Development Division (ADD) has advised rice farmers to embrace the use of improved seed  to boost productivity.

The ADD’s acting programme manager Richard Mgomezulu said this on Friday in Nkhotakota during a field day at Mphonde Extension Planning Erea (EPA)organised by Lifuwu Research Station.

With financial assistance from the World Bank Group, Lifuwu Research Station is involved in rice seed multiplication at Bua Irrigation Scheme involving 710 farmers.

Mgomezulu observed that using certified seed with good field management is cost-effective as farmers are assured of higher yield and better market prices.

Lifuwu Research Station seed inspector Kondwani Ngoka encouraged the farmers to adopt the practice.

He said plans are underway to reach out to more farmers with improved seed varieties to improve productivity.

One of the farmers, Joseph Nyirenda, said he has had bumper yield from the improved seed and encouraged fellow farmers to use the same. n