Farmers in Nkhotakota have said lack of financial support is retarding progress of farmers clubs in the district.
This is according to chairman of Ntwana Vegetable Club at Nkhandwe village, Traditional Authority Malengachanzi in the district.
Speaking with Malawi24, chairman of the club Mathews Chisuzi said lack of financial support is hampering the club’s efforts.
Chisuzi told Malawi24 that German development agency GIZ helped the club with irrigation equipment but money is what is now needed to buy farm inputs such as seeds and manure.
“Lack of money is the problem so far. GIZ just helped us with irrigation equipment. We are so grateful for the equipment but we are now lacking money to make farming a business that will change our lives forever,” Chisuzi told Malawi24.
In a separate interview, one of the club’s members Martha Shaban told Malawi24 that the proceeds they will get through the club will help them to support their families in various ways after selling the vegetables.
“We will be able to pay for school fees of our children that will help to make them become great citizens of Malawi,” she told Malawi24.
The club is currently cultivating vegetables such as Lettuce, Rape, and Tomatoes.
Nkhotakota Pottery and Lodge is the main buyer of the club’s vegetables and they also sell to community members.
The club has 34 members, four men and 30 women.
