Deputy Minister of Agriculture Benedicto Chambo has assured Parliament that agricultural machinery is available across all agricultural development divisions (ADDs) nationwide to support farming activities.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while responding to a question from Rumphi West legislator Jona Dadawiza Mkandawire (Malawi Congress Party-MCP) on how the government is facilitating access to mechanisation for farmers, particularly young people.
“In all ADDs, there is machinery available for use by all farmers in the country,” said Chambo.
His assurance comes amid concerns about low agricultural productivity and limited access to farming equipment, despite agriculture being a key sector of Malawi’s economy.
The discussion in the House also addressed youth unemployment, with lawmakers questioning how unemployed young people can benefit from agricultural mechanisation.
Dedza South MP Ishmael Onani (MCP) further proposed that the government consider establishing local companies to manufacture agricultural equipment. He stated that reliance on imported machinery limits accessibility due to high costs whereas local production would reduce costs and generate employment.
However, the deputy minister replied: “The legal framework does not mandate the ministry to establish large machinery companies.”
