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Admarc partners cane growers in cotton farming

State produce trader Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) has partnered with Nchalo Smallholder Cane Growers Association through Green Belt Initiative in cotton production to help farmers realise better earnings.

Admarc and Greenbelt Initiative officials appreciating a cotton field

Admarc acting chief executive officer Margaret Roka Mauwa said during a field day in Nchalo, Chikwawa on Wednesday that through the partnership, Admarc will increase its output in the three ginneries, namely Ngabu in Chikwawa, Balaka and Ngara in Karonga. She said she was impressed with the crop’s outlook.

“We are impressed with the winter crop we visited today on the 350 hectares. By the end of October, we expect a good harvest. We want to broaden our marketing activities through economic transformation by providing financial support to local farmers,” she said.

Mauwa said previously, the State produce trader was depending on buying and selling of maize, but with this initiative, Admarc can produce 150 metric tonnes of cotton in a year.

Green Belt Initiative general manager Richard Nkhwazi, who is also Nchalo Smallholder Cane growers Association secretary, said they are expecting 40 percent profit from the initiative.

“We have 8 000 farmers of whom 220 are growing cotton. These farmers have land as their shares. We are looking at a good value from the first cotton project and we are expecting a 40 percent profit,” he said.

Nkhwazi also said through the project, farmers have many benefits which include free food, 10 percent shares and a monthly salary.

 

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