Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale says government has set aside K99 billion for this year’s irrigation season to boost food production to counter the prevailing deficit in the country.
He said this on Tuesday at Tchanga Irrigation Scheme in Mtakataka, Dedza when he launched the 2025 Irrigation Season.
Kawale said farmers will access the funds through the National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) and the Mega Farm Unit.
He said: “We are yet to determine how much exactly will go through Neef and how much will go through the Mega Farm Unit because the determining factor will be where there is more potential since the ultimate goal is to produce more food.”
Kawale said based on crop estimates, it is clear that this year’s food production will not reach the required quantities.
Malawi requires four million metric tonnes of maize to be food secure.
During the launch, farmers at the scheme accessed a K34 million loan from Neef which will enable them to cultivate 68 hectares (ha) of maize and 52ha of beans.
The scheme’s president Enock Ben said they are optimistic that they will harvest enough for their homes and surplus to sell.
