Ministry of Agriculture has urged farmers in Traditional Authority Chinyama in Kasungu to diversify crops and venture into value addition to earn more.
The ministry’s deputy director of agriculture responsible for field crops Osborne Tsoka said this on Friday during an agriculture field day at Malama Village in Mtunthama Extension Planning Area.
He said as the country grapples with climate change shocks, crop diversification is crucial in ensuring food security.
Tsoka said agriculture field days provide learning and marketing platform for farmers.
“The ministry is encouraging farmers to embrace diversification, processing and irrigation to enhance food security. This is in response to climate change challenges that affect our farmers,” he said.
Tsoka said the ministry is collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance value addition in farm produce to boost exports.
During the tour, he also visited Mlatho Milk Bulking Group and K2 Tigwiranemanja Aids Support Organisation,
where he appreciated dairy cattle management and a milk processing plant.
Kasungu Agriculture Development Division programmes manager Yusuf Shaibu acknowledged that climate change is one of the major challenges affecting farmers in the district.
He encouraged farmers to adapt to modern and sustainable ways of farming.
“Climate change is affecting our farmers. For instance, this year we experienced dry spells in some areas. That is why we encourage farmers to embrace diversification and modern farming practices,” said Shaibu.
Kasungu East legislator Madalitso Kazombo (Malawi Congress Party) said empowering small-scale farmers is crucial for ensuring food security.
Kasungu district agriculture extension coordinating committee chairperson Peter Minjale said the district has made strides in promoting diversification as witnessed by increased production of other farm produce besides maize.
Kasungu District Council organised the field day under the theme ‘Promoting resilient food systems for inclusive agricultural commercialisation
