NGO invests K40bn in milk processor

Kasungu-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) K2 Tigwiranemanja Aids Support Organisation (K2-Taso) has invested a $23 million (about K40 billion) in milk processing plant to boost availability of dairy products in the district.

The NGO’s production manager Alfred Chimwenje told Kasungu District Council’s Agriculture Service Committee on Monday that the plant, which is still in the hands of the Malawi Revenue Authority for tax clearances, has a processing speed of 1 000 litres per hour.

He made the announcement when the committee, led by council chairperson Mwambilaso Mbedza and Senior Chief Mwase, toured various agricultural initiatives in the district to appreciate their progress.

“We expect to process 11 000 litres of milk per day basing on the anticipated milk supply from farmers.

“We will produce yoghurt, gee, cheese and other milk products for the available market within and outside Kasungu District,” said Chimwenje.

He said while there are over 200 dairy cows in the plant’s current catchment in Kasungu East, the organisation will ensure that the cattle population increases through a pass-on arrangement.

Phillip Mkanakufa, a member of Mlatho Milk Bulking Group which is an alliance of dairy farmers in the area, said the group is ready to supply milk for processing.

He asked agriculture authorities to ensure that there is adequate number of animal health and livestock development officers.

“Dairy cows are prone to diseases, so we need more veterinary officers,” said Mkanakufa.

The council’s agriculture service committee chairperson Bryson Zephania said they will do their best to support the initiative.

He said: “We are known to be a tobacco-growing district.

“But what we are doing now is promoting diversification of our activities.”