New agri-techs hyped to boost mega farms
Technologies discovered through the European Union funded Development of Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (Desira) project can boost mega farms conceipt, its implementers have said.
Desira, is a five year initiative that seeks to improve climate change adaptation of agricultural and food systems.
The implementers include International Potato Centre and Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and World Fish.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Tuesday during the opening of a three-day seminar on the project’s progress, Desira project manager Gbenga Akinwale said the technologies will be released next year following months of trials.
He stated that the technologies that target crops such cereals, legumes, roots and tubers, fodder and fruit trees and fish have potential to improve productivity in mega farms.
Akinwale said: “Talking about commercialisation of agriculture, we should also think about the climate change scenario.
“These climate smart technologies will help investors in the mega farms to really safeguard their investments as far as climate shocks are concerned.”
He disclosed that not less than 30 technologies from the project are expected to be released “between now and first quarter of next year.”
Akinwale assertions come as government is promoting mega farms concept to improve agriculture productivity and effectively widen the country’ import net and the economy.
Deputy senior director in the Department Agricultural Services in the Ministry of Agriculture David Kamangira said they are impressed with the new technologies as they are also aimed at tackling pest and diseases.
