Irrigation project impresses Zambia
Zambia high Commissioner Panji Kaunda has commended Malawi Government for implementing irrigation scheme initiatives to boost food security and economic growth.
The diplomat said this when he toured Linga Irrigation Scheme in Senior Chief Fukamapiri in Nkhata Bay District on Tuesday.
Said Kaunda: “We have heard so much about the successes of the irrigation schemes which Malawi Government has established across the country.
“Due to drought which has affected both our governments, we are emphasising irrigation farming for small-scale farmers: hence, our coming to learn how you are doing it so that we replicate the same in Zambia.”
He said he was inspired by the fact that Linga Irrigation Scheme is community-led as it is being managed by local communities.
“Youths are benefitting through value addition of agricultural products from the scheme; hence, creating employment opportunities for young people. This is worth emulating,” said Kaunda.
Ministry of Agriculture project coordinator for agriculture infrastructure and youth in agribusiness Tikho Msimuko Mpezeni said Kaunda’s visit was encouraging as it indicates the importance of irrigation farming.
He said: “Let me urge young people to be proactive and utilise the scheme through its youth empowerment component, which provides training in agribusiness.
“I also call for more farmers to join the scheme which has 1 000 hectares [ha] of irrigable land but only 450ha are being utilised.”
Nkhata Bay District Council director of agriculture, environment and natural resources Raphael Mkisi also said the High Commissioner’s tour is an indication that the initiative’s success story has spread far and wide.
One of the farmers, Kudzaye Chirwa, said the visit encouraged them to invest in irrigation farming cooperatives to maximise profits.
President Lazarus Chakwera commissioned Linga Irrigation Dam which provides water to the scheme in September 2023.
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