Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-04-17 08:16:03
The Ministry of Agriculture is working towards increasing maize production through the mega farms initiative, with a target of 35,000 metric tonnes expected this year. In order to achieve this goal, the government has contracted 200 farmers across the country to participate in the initiative.
Minister Sam Kawale highlighted the government’s plan to support the farmers by providing market off-takers for their produce. The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc), Pyxus Agriculture, and Paramount Holdings are among the key buyers identified for the produce from the mega farms. Additionally, Nasfam and other markets will also play a role in purchasing the farm produce.
The government aims to transition more farmers from the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) to commercial farming through initiatives like the mega farms project. With funding from the Agriculture Commercialisation Project (Agcom) and the National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef), the government is looking to invest K600 billion and K30 billion respectively in supporting the farmers.
Lefnas Chigamula, co-owner of one of the mega farms, expressed gratitude for the support they have received from the Mega Farms Support Unit. He mentioned that the farm has already cultivated maize on 200 hectares of land and plans to expand to 400 hectares in the upcoming season. With the challenges posed by weather conditions, especially in rain-fed agriculture, the farm is increasingly focusing on irrigation farming.
President Lazarus Chakwera has also recognized the importance of mega farms in enhancing food security and boosting the economy. Discussions with Afrexim Bank officials have been initiated to secure funding for the initiative. Through this partnership, the government aims to develop 50,000 hectares of arable land and promote crop production in rice, soya beans, maize, and cotton.
Overall, the mega farms initiative is seen as a significant step towards increasing agricultural production in Malawi and supporting farmers in transitioning to commercial farming. The government’s efforts to secure market off-takers and provide necessary support to the farmers are crucial in ensuring the success of the project. With partnerships with organizations like Afrexim Bank, the government is working towards achieving food security and economic growth in the country through this ambitious initiative.
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