Parliamentary committee lauds irrigation farming

Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament has expressed satisfaction with the progress of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme in Zomba District.

The project, implemented under the Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (Pride) and jointly financed by the Malawi Government and the International Fund for Agriculture Development, is at 75 percent completion rate.

Speaking after touring the project on Friday, Ralph Jooma, a committee member, said they were impressed with the progress made.

He said: “Parliament has approved a loan on behalf of Pride to construct 15 schemes in 12 districts to the tune of $80.4 million [about K81 billion] and we have observed that this scheme is progressing well.

“The committee is impressed by the fact that, within 10 months, the construction project has reached 75 percent completion rate and we are optimistic that the contractor will meet the November 30 deadline.”

Jooma urged the Ministry of Agriculture to implement measures ensuring that communities can effectively manage the schemes.

He said: “In the past, we have witnessed projects falter after being handed over to communities due to limited capacity to operate and maintain the schemes.

“We intend to approach the ministry to provide essential support to farmers in the form of starter packs to farmers.”

Pride project coordinator Mundy Makoko assured the committee that the project will be completed on schedule.

“The scheme will enable farmers to grow crops thrice a year, thereby boosting food security,” he said.

Mlooka Irrigation Scheme chairperson Asante Ndomondo said farmers were looking forward to utilising the scheme.