Agriculture authorities in Chitipa and Karonga districts have expressed excitement with the construction of spray races to treat cattle with chemicals for ticks, flies and other external parasites.
They said this on Tuesday when Transforming Agriculture through Diversification Entrepreneurship (Trade) programme conducted a media tour to appreciate the progress of the facilities expected to be completed in January 2025.
| Jordan Simeon-Phiri
In an interview, Chisenga Extension Planning Area assistant veterinary officer Mwayi Mlenga said for many years, beef production was low due to ticks attacking animals.
“Spray races are cost-effective as they use less chemicals compared with normal dipping. Also, spray races are less stressful and bring no fear to animals,” he said.
Karonga district director of agriculture, environment and natural resources Yaz Nyirenda said spray races will help farmers to produce high quality beef that meets market demands.
He said: “The spray race is the best example of agriculture infrastructures that will improve farmers’ livelihoods.
“The project is a game-changer for the district in the livestock industry which will provide increased cattle production and productivity.”
Nyirenda said they will empower farmers on the proper use and maintenance of the spray race facility.
Trade programme knowledge management and communications specialist Oscar Ulili said they expect each spray race to support an average of 1 000 farmers.
He said: “As one way of creating an enabling environment for smallholder commercialisation, Trade programme is constructing and rehabilitating various structures that will address infrastructure bottlenecks in rural areas.
“The programme is also introducing technologies that can help farmers increase their production and productivity.”
Trade programme is hosted under the Ministry of Local Government, Culture and Unity with support from International Fund for Agricultural Development and Opec Fund for International Development.
