By Gift Chiponde

Dowa, June 27, Mana: Chairperson for Parliament Committee on Agriculture, Ulemu Chilapondwa has emphasized the committee's commitment to actively engage with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure a fair allocation of resources within the sector.

This concerted effort aims to support Malawi's 2063 and enhance the country's food security.

He made these remarks during the National Multi-Stakeholder Agriculture Sector 2024/25 Budget Analysis Engagement Meeting at Mponela in Dowa which was organized by Oxfam, CISANET, and NASFAM, aiming to sought the views of various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and farmers regarding the 2024/25 agriculture budget allocation.

Chilapondwa affirmed that the Committee would persist in endeavours to engage the Ministry of Agriculture, aiming to secure equitable funding allocation for all agricultural activities and this was crucial to optimize agricultural production.

He expressed concern about the decline in the allocation of funds to the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasising the potential negative impact on the agriculture sector if resource allocation was not balanced.

Chilapondwa assured stakeholders in the agriculture sector that the Committee was dedicated to revitalizing the country's agriculture and economy through comprehensive allocation and reform initiatives.

The Chairperson acknowledged the Ministry of Agriculture's substantial reforms, particularly the adjustments to Affordable Input Programme (AIP), ensuring that all intended beneficiaries are accommodated in various programmes.

Head of Policy and Communication at NASFAM, Rejoice Chikakuda said the importance of the meeting in providing insights to Members of Parliament and government to enhance application and support towards the agriculture sector.

She expressed concerns about the decline in the agriculture budget allocation, particularly its potential adverse effects on smallholder farmers.

Chikakuda stressed the need for thorough scrutiny of programmes like the AIP to ensure they effectively address the country's needs.

She appealed to Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Committee of Agriculture to advocate for comprehensive allocation within the agriculture sector to promote sustainable agriculture development.