Minister touts new farming methods

Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale has encouraged farmers in Lilongwe District to embrace new farming methods to improve crop production.

He said this on Saturday during a crop inspection in Chitekwere Extension Planning Area in the district.

Kawale said adopting new farming techniques may help farmers to harvest amid shocks caused by climate change.

He said: “I am impressed with what I have seen on the ground that our farmers are trying to adopt modern farming methods.

“However, I urge more farmers to do the same so they can get bumper harvests.”

Kawale urged farmers not to sell their produce unless they have surplus to avoid hunger.

He further assured farmers that government was working around the clock to ensure they receive fertiliser and seeds under the Affordable Inputs Programme in good time.

Lilongwe Agricultural Development Division programmes manager Shira Kang’ombe advised farmers to practise crop rotation.

She said: “Although we have received enough rains this year, some of the crops have been affected by diseases while other farmersdid not redeem their fertiliser.

“There is need to assist those farmers who have faced the challenges.”

One of the farmers, Madalitso Mapondela asked government to come up with initiatives to enable farmers to maximise their productivity.

“Sometimes we become powerless in the face of climate change. Without embracing new farming technologies, it is difficult to get bumper harvests,” he said.

The field visit was held under the theme ‘Climate smart and diversified agriculture’.