By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, June 12, Mana:  Government plans to rehabilitate and increase utilization of irrigation schemes across the country to enhance food security among farming households.

Deputy Director of Irrigation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Winston Sataya said this on Wednesday after a field visit to Mpenga and Kachere irrigation schemes in Chiradzulu District, as part of the ongoing national annual review meeting of District Irrigation Officers (DIOs) taking place in Blantyre.

Sataya said although the country has made notable strides in the implementation of the National Irrigation Master Plan (2015 - 2035), more effort is needed for Malawi to realize its full potential in the sector.

"For example, while the country has the potential to develop up to 408,000 hectares for irrigation, only about 164, 000 hectares have been developed so far, and just about 80 percent of that is currently being utilized," he said.

The Deputy Director then disclosed that they have received K90 billion to rehabilitate damaged irrigation systems and procure fertilizer and seeds for farmers in various irrigation schemes across the country to boost food security.

He also expressed gratitude to development partners for their continued financial and technical support and urged irrigation engineers across the country to intensify their efforts, especially now that rain-fed agriculture is becoming increasingly unreliable due to climate change.

World Vision Malawi Irrigation Specialist Chimango Mlowoka, said the organization is committed to support government efforts in irrigation development, as it believes the sector holds the key to ending hunger in Malawi.

“We are aware that many irrigation schemes, particularly in the southern region, were damaged by floods and cyclones. If such schemes fall within our impact areas and the communities express interest in reviving them, we are ready to assist,” she said.

Chiradzulu District Council Irrigation Engineer, Julia Qoto, said the district can develop up to 4,500 hectares of irrigation land, but only about 695 hectares have been developed so far.

“We have plans to expand irrigation coverage and we have already identified around 2,000 hectares of potential land in three traditional authorities. We just need the necessary resources to proceed,” she said.

Chairperson of Kachere Irrigation Scheme Jennifer Wile said the 20 hectares scheme started in 2006 with only 30 members but now has grown to 82.

“Last year alone, we made K63 million from the sale of our crops, which include maize, tomatoes, carrots, beans, and onions,” she said.