Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Yohane Symon
Published on 2024-03-25 06:51:18
Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale has issued a challenge to the people of Malawi, urging them to seize the opportunity presented by the Agricultural Commercialisation (Agcom) initiative to establish agri-businesses and contribute to the government’s job creation efforts. This call to action was made as Kawale distributed cheques totaling K6.5 billion to 41 cooperatives from 13 districts across the country, aimed at bolstering the agri-business ventures of groups whose project proposals were approved in the initial phase of the program.
The second phase of the Agcom initiative, funded by the World Bank and launched by President Lazarus Chakwera in November of the previous year, is centered on the transformation of smallholder agriculture from subsistence farming to commercial enterprises. Kawale highlighted the significance of this project in helping the government achieve the objectives set forth in the agricultural transformation agenda outlined in the Malawi 2063 vision.
“With Agcom, we aim to witness a substantial transformation in the agricultural sector, ensuring that our farmers evolve into commercial entities. This is why a substantial sum exceeding K600 billion will be allocated to cooperatives in the upcoming years,” remarked Kawale. He emphasized that initiatives like Agcom, alongside the Mega Farms program, are instrumental in steering Malawi towards food security and increased revenue generation.
Ted Nakhumwa, the National Project Coordinator for Agcom, urged community members nationwide to form value addition groups comprising a minimum of 20 members and apply for grants to further their agri-business endeavors. Reflecting on the impact of the first phase of Agcom, which concluded the previous year, Nakhumwa highlighted the positive changes witnessed in the livelihoods of numerous farmers across the country.
“When a cooperative successfully secures approval for their project proposal, we require them to contribute 10 percent of the total project cost in cash, with an additional 20 percent provided in kind, while the remainder is funded by us. It is important to clarify that this assistance is not a loan but a grant designed to uplift the living standards of individuals in Malawi,” Nakhumwa explained.
The overarching objective of the Agcom initiative is to promote the commercialization of agriculture in Malawi, facilitating the transition of smallholder farmers into thriving agri-business enterprises. By providing financial support, technical assistance, and capacity building opportunities to cooperative groups, Agcom aims to enhance agricultural productivity, stimulate economic growth, and ultimately contribute to the nation’s journey towards sustainable development.
In conclusion, the Agcom initiative represents a pivotal step towards harnessing the potential of Malawi’s agricultural sector, empowering farmers to leverage their resources and skills to establish successful agri-business ventures. As the government continues to prioritize agricultural transformation through programs like Agcom, the collective efforts of Malawians are crucial in realizing the vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient agricultural landscape in the country.
Read the original article on The Times
