Youths in Chikwawa venture into farming
Youths in Senior Chief Ngabu in Chikwawa District have ventured into irrigation farming to improve food security and generate income.
Their initiative comes after the area experienced floods two months ago which washed away people’s crops.
The disaster just worsened the food security situation in the area as Chikwawa is one of the districts facing hunger due to the prolonged dry spells in the 2023/24 growing season.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, a youth lead farmer Simon Mafunga from Kudziwa Village said he is growing maize to ensure there is enough food in the area.
He said: “I have invested K350 000 into irrigation farming. I expect to harvest about 50 bags. In the next cycle, I am planning to have two plots to get 100 bags of maize.
“I am sure I will be able to supply maize to people of my community.”
Another youth, Watson Jeriati from Jombo Village, said with irrigation farming, he will earn enough income to support his family.
“I grow maize and sesame. I have built a decent house and bought a motorcycle using proceeds from farming. I also pay school fees for my children,” he said.
Shire Valley Agricultural Development Division spokesperson Abraham Banda said the youth should venture into irrigation farming to help improve food security.
He said: “The youth are encouraged to take part in agriculture in line with the country’s long-term development plan, the Malawi 2063.
“Through irrigation, the youth can go into commercial farming, which the Malawi 2063 is championing.”
Banda said the Shire Valley can produce enough food for the country if more youths embrace agriculture.
Government is also encouraging people from the Shire Valley to embrace commercial farming through the Shire Valley Transformation Programme
