Thyolo District Agriculture Development Office has launched a K12.6 million Extension Planning Area (EPA) agricultural trophy for Matapwata and Dwale EPAs.
The initiative seeks to boost macadamia, fish and dairy farming as well as agroforestry among smallholder farmers in Traditional Authority (T/A) Boyd in the district.
Speaking at the launch on Friday, Thyolo North member of Parliament Ephraim Nayeja commended the initiative, saying it will enhance productivity by encouraging farmers to adopt modern farming methods while embracing soil and water conservation for sustainable agriculture.
“Farmers will work in their farms competing and at the same time increasing their yield,” he said.
Nayeja urged government to introduce additional value chains and create market opportunities for farmers.
Thyolo District chief agriculture officer Mphatso Kafuwa said the competition will reward farmers with farm inputs and technology, thereby promoting agriculture innovation.
She called on stakeholders for financial support to sustain community-led initiatives.
On his part, T/A Boyd said the initiative started in 2021 after observing low crop output due to poor farming methods and limited land.
“Since then, farmers have experienced improved yields and attained greater food security,” he said.
Banana, fish and dairy farming model farmer Charles Buledi said his life has transformed and is earning about K400 000 per month from dairy farming, which has improved his household income.
He encouraged other farmers to take farming as a business for improved livelihoods
