By Alice Ndunya
Machinga, May 10, Mana: District Agriculture Stakeholders Panel (DASP) has encouraged farmers in Machinga to adopt irrigation farming as a way to increase food production in the wake of uncertain weather patterns that affect rain-fed agriculture.
DASP Chairperson in Machinga, James Chogoya emphasized the need to adopt irrigation farming, saying farmers' clubs in the district should devise proper planning by setting aside quality seeds in readiness for the May to August irrigation farming season in their respective schemes as they await the farm equipment loan programme.
Chogoya told Malawi News Agency (Mana) recently that, following the 2024/2025 agricultural season, which was characterized by erratic rainfall, there was a need for farmers to adopt irrigation agriculture, taking advantage of many water sources in the district.
“In some areas, crops did not do well leading to losses. By embracing irrigation, we can bridge the food security gap for affected farming households.
“We have abundant water sources, and it's time we utilize them effectively, let us be innovative to produce manure to increase crop production. We should not rely solely on rain-fed agriculture which has become unpredictable," he added and further stressed the need for increased agricultural innovations to increase crop production.
DASP facilitates collaboration and engagement between farmers and government, plus other relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector to address agricultural challenges, and improve extension services to ensure that farmers’ needs and perspectives are integrated into agricultural planning and decision-making.
A farmer, Joshua Maunde from Traditional Authority Sale testified that irrigation farming is so beneficial, saying; “It enabled me to harvest enough last season such that I managed to provide and sustain my household throughout the year,
“Let my fellow farmers take advantage of farm inputs loans in readiness for irrigation season in our schemes," he said.
District Irrigation Engineer for Machinga Council, Daniel Sambakunsi, said farmers in the district are willing to go for irrigation farming, adding that some had already mobilized themselves into groups to meet all standard requirements for National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) inputs loan.
“Most farmers have managed to mobilize resources which are collateral per NEEF farm inputs loan requirements. Luck enough, these requirements are flexible," he added.
The Irrigation Engineer emphasized the importance of soil and water conservation as key to successful irrigation farming.
“Farmers need to utilize land in a good way to harvest more for consumption and to generate income. They should make the most use of available resources," he added.
NEEF expects to provide farm inputs on loan to farmers' clubs in Machinga to allow them realize high crop production in their respective irrigation schemes.
