Stick to what works well for you, Chakwera tells farmers

President Lazarus Chakwera has told farmers in Mzimba to concentrate on and stick to the type of farming methods that work well for them in order to maximize their produce and generate profits.

Chakwera gave the advice Friday when he addressed a developmental rally at Emvueni Primary School Ground after inspecting some fields of crops in the area of Traditional Authorities Mtwalo and Kampingo Sibande.

He said it is high time Malawians embraced commercial agriculture in order to realise bumper yields which they can sell and reserve some for food for their households thereby contributing to food security in the country.

“You have to continue with the practices which have led to bumper yields. Those who are going to realise poor harvest should not despair because government will ensure that you do not starve,” Chakwera said.

The President observed, during the crop inspection, that fields of crops belonging to clusters and cooperatives had better crop stand than those of individuals.

During the crop inspection, Chakwera met Laness Kaunda Chavula who is breeding catfish and chambo in seven ponds. She told the president that despite the struggles she encounters with animal feed costs, she is doing quite fine.

“I learnt that last aquaculture season she managed to harvest 4 tons that earned her a good K10 million on the market.

“It is from such an eye opening visit that I can say with absolute certainty; Mzimba, together with surrounding districts, has a thriving and exemplary aquaculture sector. Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division (ADD) alone has over 2115 fish farmers operating 3390 ponds,” Chakwera wrote on his Facebook page.

At Yavundika Village, Chakwera met members of Lusangazi Dairy Cooperative Society. Evelyn Nyirenda told the president the remarkable size and operations of the 204-member cooperative, of which 118 are women. With a total of 226 cows, the cooperative is earning decent income from sale of milk to communities and businesses in Mzuzu City and Mzimba District

Member of Parliament for Mzimba North East and Speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara, commended the President for demonstrating interest in reaching out to farmers to appreciate their challenges.

Chakwera has since Wednesday been inspecting crops in some districts in the Northern Region. He is expected to preside over the installation of Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe in Rumphi and commemoration of Labour Day in Mzuzu on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

By Rose Mahorya – Malawi News Agency