Diversify crop production—Govt
Malawi Government has urged farmers to invest in crops that will bring them a substantial income in the wake of climate change.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security James Munthali said this in Zomba recently during the signing ceremony of Likangala Complex Irrigation Management Transfer Agreement with five water users’ associations at Likangala Scheme. The five associations are Njala, Chiliko, Segula, Khanda and Likangala.
He said as part of reforms in the irrigation sector, government intends to shift from public sector irrigation management to private sector agricultural development to use irrigation to contribute towards economic growth.
“The Irrigation Act [2001] authorises Irrigation Management Transfers (Article 35) of existing government-owned schemes, from government management to farmer management. Thus, through the Irlad [Irrigation, Rural Livelihood and Agricultural Development] project with support from the World Bank, government has been rehabilitating schemes, including Likangala, Muona in Nsanje, Nkhate in Chikhwawa and Limphasa in Nkhata Bay,” said Munthali.
He said if properly used, the schemes can help enhance food security.
