Project links farmers to off-takers

In a bid to maximise profits for farmers, the Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid (NCA/DCA) under Transform Programme is  linking farmers to off-takers.

Off-takers are  private companies that partner with organizations and companies to provide a ready market for farm produce like tomatoes and vegetables, among others.

So far, two off-takers were taken on board namely Kwithu Kitchen in Mzuzu and Thanthwe Farms in Lilongwe.

Annily Kasalu from Mayeleyele Village in Mzirmba, who is doing her tomato farming in Ehehleni Section  under Champhira Extension Planning Area, is one of the beneficiaries.

She is now selling her produce to Kwithu Kitchen of Mzuzu and so far, she has made over K400 000 from her incubator of five beds.

NCA/DCA signed a memorandum     of understanding (MOU) with the off takers on the average price for the produce to ensure that farmers are reaping more benefits from their produce. Said Kasalu: “I make more profits selling my tomatoes to Kwithu Kitchen than to vendors because with the off-taker, we have an agreed price while with local vendors, prices keep fluctuating.”She adds that during seasons of plenty, prices go down which leads to farmers making losses.

Kasalu’s journey as a farmer is quite interesting. She did not belong to any group at first but would always admire how some group members in her area did their farming.

Last year, she decided to ask for a contact of the agricultural extension worker who visited her home and equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge and as they say the rest is history.

Said Kasalu: “I have now diversified my income and invested in four village banks run by Cadecom with k555 000 saved in each bank. I am also paying school fees for my children in secondary school and I am planning to buy cattle.”