By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, September 21, Mana: District Commissioner for Nsanje, Dominic Mwandira, has challenged communities in the district to adopt irrigation farming if the district is to reduce episodes of hunger.

Mwandira was speaking Friday at Dzaladzala Irrigation Scheme in the area of Traditional Authority Malemia during supervision of interventions implemented by the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) in the area.

He said community’s dedication at the scheme is an indication that irrigation farming can bail out Nsanje District from hunger.

"I am impressed with farming activities taking place at this scheme. This is the way to go to deal with hunger in the district," said Mwandira.

One of the farmers, Grace Banda, from Chingwe Village in the area of Traditional Authority Malemia, said despite the district facing hunger, her family has food because of irrigation farming using solar system donated by EAM.

“It was difficult using treadle pumps but with the donation of solar powered irrigation equipment we are able to cultivate on a large scale,” she said.

However, Banda said they need additional irrigation pipes so that they can extend the irrigation area.

Among others, the District Commissioner also inspected Khome Cooperative in TA Ndamera which has also benefited from EAM.

EAM provided solar dryer and a mill to the cooperative.

Secretary for Khome Cooperative, Nowa Kamasho, said the donation by EAM will help transform the communities economically.