By Solister Mogha

Zomba, May 7 Mana: Nation Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) on Tuesday launched winter cropping agriculture loan inputs in Zomba with K51 million going to Kadewere Irrigation Scheme at Traditional Authority Mwambo.

The loan inputs which among others included fertilizer, maize seeds and solar solar-powered pump target over 200,000 farmers across the country.

Speaking during the launch and handover of the farm inputs at Kadewere Irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Mwambo, NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humprey Mdyeseni said the loan inputs were meant to improve the country's food security.

Mdyeseni said, according to data, the country requires 4 million metric tons of maize which has not been achieved for the past two years, expressing hope that the winter cropping, once implemented, will close up the gap.

“We are receiving overwhelming applications for loans, and this only means more farmers need support.

“We expect that, through the farm inputs loans, Malawi is assured of enough food,” he added.

Zomba District Council, Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Linda Mphande said provision of farm input was the best way to address food insecurity in the district.

Mphande added that, with increasing fears of climate change, irrigation agriculture remained the best option.

“We applaud government through NEEF for the support to farmers. Through this initiative, the country has high chances to achieve food security,” she added.

One of the beneficiaries under Kadewere Irrigation Scheme, Godfrey Makwinja said most of the farmers have muscle but lack financial and farm inputs.

“Many farmers are proud of the support from NEEF. We have been empowered and energised to do more,” he added.

A total of K51 million has been used to procure fertilizer and maize seeds for 83 farmers under Kadewere scheme.