Replanting not best option—Minister

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Allan Chiyembekeza says replanting of crops in areas which have been hit by floods will not be the best option as most top soils have been washed away.

Chiyembekeza was reacting to calls from parliamentarians for the need to start replanting as it is clear Malawi may face hunger.
“As government, we are still figuring out the best ways to salvage the situation and minimize a catastrophe. Currently, we want to begin distributing cassava cuttings and sweet potato stems, but the option of replanting in these areas is not the best idea,” he said.

According to Chiyembekeza, replanting in such areas, given that top soils have been washed away may be a waste of resources.

“As an agriculturist, it is the top soils which contain nutrients needed for crop growth. Now if the top soil is washed away, you remain with sub soil which does not contain nutrients sufficient enough for full growth,” he said.

Chiyembekeza further said government is also emphasising on irrigation to maximize residue moisture.

Over 27 000 households, approximately 200 000 people, have now been displaced since the floods started almost seven weeks ago.

The most affected districts are Nsanje, Chikwawa and Phalombe.

Government has estimated that 35 of the 63 hectares that have been damaged are crop land.