Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Serah Makondesa Chilora
Published on 2024-03-27 06:57:55
Following President Lazarus Chakwera’s declaration of a State of Disaster in 23 out of 28 districts in Malawi, the Ministry of Agriculture has swiftly taken action to address the pressing issue. Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale revealed in an interview with The Daily Times that the ministry has outlined various measures to mitigate the impacts of the disaster.
One of the key initiatives involves earmarking over 54,000 hectares for irrigation in order to boost agricultural productivity. The ministry plans to leverage existing irrigation schemes managed by smallholder farmers for maize cultivation. Additionally, there are plans to collaborate with the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to explore the possibility of engaging public institutions like the Green Belt Authority (GBA) Mega Farms Unit and the Malawi Defence Force in irrigated maize production.
In a bid to maximize production, NFRA will also be urged to partner with commercial farmers who have irrigated land. The Department of Irrigation and NFRA will identify suitable lands, and NFRA will enter into off-take agreements with these farmers. Furthermore, the ministry intends to extend contract farming arrangements to smallholder irrigators with medium and large-scale irrigation schemes.
Minister Kawale emphasized the importance of mobilizing smallholder farmers to undertake supplemental irrigation during the current rain-fed agriculture season. He encouraged farmers to start irrigation farming early to facilitate at least two cropping cycles. Currently, there are 67,085 hectares under smallholder irrigated farming, with a significant portion dedicated to maize production. It is estimated that around 240,000 metric tonnes of maize will be harvested from the 48,435 hectares under conventional irrigation.
Agriculture policy expert Leonard Chimwaza stressed the need for stakeholders to prioritize irrigation farming as a critical component of achieving Malawi’s food security objectives. By promoting irrigation and expanding irrigated agriculture, the country can enhance its resilience to climate shocks and ensure a steady food supply for its population.
The government’s efforts to scale up irrigation farming and collaborate with various stakeholders demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by the State of Disaster declaration. By harnessing the potential of irrigation and engaging multiple partners in agricultural production, Malawi aims to boost food production, enhance food security, and build a more sustainable agricultural sector.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to implementing irrigation initiatives and forging partnerships with key agencies underscores the government’s determination to mitigate the impacts of the State of Disaster and safeguard the country’s food security. Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, Malawi can overcome the current challenges and strengthen its agricultural resilience in the face of adversity.
Read the original article on The Times
