Initiative exposes 10 farmer cooperatives to wider market
Transformation Agriculture through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (Trade) on Friday brought 10 farmer cooperatives to the National Agriculture Fair in Blantyre to network, share ideas and improve their output.
The cooperatives, drawn from across the country, are in the beef value chain, potato farming, beekeeping and honey production, oil and milk production, among others.
In an interview on Friday, Trade national programme director Felix Lombe said they believe that through the fair, the farmers forged long-lasting partnerships with market players in terms of product marketing and provision of farm equipment.
He said: “We are so excited to have brought the farmers to the fair and that they are meeting different value chain players that are very crucial in pursuance of commercialisation.
“We expect farmers to appreciate the requirements that are needed, meet those that can supply them with equipment and learn from others.”
The fair, which opened on Thursday and ended on Sunday, is a forum where farmers learn from each other, share opportunities, network and give feedback for further improvement and policy direction, among others.
Bomfa cooperative from Kasungu, which produces cooking oil from soya and sunflower, was among the cooperatives that took part in the fair.
The cooperative’s vice-treasurer Margaret Fereza commended Trade for taking them to the fair, saying their products have been exposed to the wider market.
“We have been struggling to penetrate the market but with support from Trade and with this arrangement, we are hopeful we will penetrate the market even more,” she said.
