By Winfrida Kamwana

Mchinji, September 5, Mana: Malawi Defence Force (MDF) run, Gada Mega Farm in Mchinji has put in measures to increase its productivity in the agricultural sector in a quest to contribute to national food security.

Speaking during a media tour on Wednesday, Captain, Andrew Kalulu who represented the Director of Agriculture Production under the MDF's Malawi National Service said the farm was committed to bringing in change in agricultural productivity and hopes to liberate the country from economic glitches that the country is facing at the moment.

“Due to climate change, the agriculture sector is facing a number of challenges which are also affecting the country’s economy. This is why the farm through irrigation schemes has managed to increase its productivity and hopes to contribute a lot to national food security and economic growth,” he said.

Kalulu appreciated Zambia National Service for rendering support and expertise to the farm saying through such assistance, the farm has been able to function and was being easily sustained.

Zambia’s National Service Irrigation Specialist, Lieutenant Colonel, Misasa Phiri said Gada Farm was one mega farm that has a great potential to achieve food security and economic growth.

“We are hoping that the two nations will be able to grow together in terms of the economy and food security. That is why as Zambia National Service, we are happy to render our technical expertise on irrigation water management and agronomy issues,” he added.

Gada Farm Officer In-Charge, Deborah Nkulama said the farm plans to expand its productivity by cultivating a diverse of crops on the farm as well as increase animal production.

“We plan to have more crops on the farm including wheat which we can export to other countries and we plan to introduce dairy animal production to expand our market,” she pointed out.

Gada Mega Farm is a farm under the Malawi National Service of the MDF with 1, 654 hectares of which 30 hectares have been used for wheat cultivation.

The farm has provided job opportunities to about 51 and hopes to help many more.