Malawi expects normal rains

Farmers in Malawi should not be frightened by the late onset of rains this year because the maize crop has a way of picking itself up even when rains come late, a senior goverment official has said.

Secretary for Agriculture and Food Security Jeff Luhanga in an interview on Tuesday that despite the rains having started late in other parts, the country will still have enough food.

Most farmers who planted with the first rains were concerned when their crops started wilting, especially in the Central Region.

“Farmers should only be worried when the rains are erratic in February or March because that is when the maize crop needs a lot of water. Farmers should also make sure that they plant several crops so that if one does not do well, they should get relief from the other crop,” he said.

Luhanga also advised Malawians to diversify their eating habits by not relying on maize as a staple food.

“Rice is cheaper than maize, but many people still want to eat nsima which is expensive because it always needs relish. With two teaspoons of sugar, one can eat rice porridge and be full. Also, one cup full of rice can be enough to feed three people,” he said.

Controller of agriculture and technical services Wilfred Lipita concurred with Luhanga, saying that farmers must plant a variety of crops.

“At least now there is rain all over the country and we are happy as a ministry. Our advice to farmers is that they must plant many crops so that they have fall- back plan in case of eventualities,” he said.

The onset of rains in many parts of the country was late, but now there are reports that it has covered all the regions.

Luhanga: Be worried with erratic rains