Luanar embarks on K29 billion mega farms drive

The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), has embarked on a K29.2 billion mega farms teaching programme that will see the university establishing mega farms but also teaching students in establishment and management of such farms.

The mega farms are expected to promote both crop production, livestock production and aquaculture.

The crops will be grown under both irrigation and rain fed.

Addressing the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture on initiatives that the university is undertaking to help provide solutions to challenges facing the country, Luanar vice chancellor Emmanuel Kaunda said Luanar wants to take a lead in promoting agriculture commercialisation.

“The university is trying to respond to pressing needs of the country,” says Kaunda.

He mentioned that Luanar plans to acquire 5000 hectares of land to fully implement the program.

The program will be implemented over a period of five years.

According to Kaunda, government has already approved the mega farms teaching program and has also allocated K1 billion for the commencement of the program.

About 1000 jobs are expected to be created while 10 000 people are expected to be trained.

Parliamentary committee on Agriculture and Irrigation vice -chairperson Ulemu Chilapondwa said the country needs programs that will empower farmers so that they do not depend on subsidies. He observed that the country has farmers who if empowered can seriously contribute to achieving food security but also boosting the economy.