By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, October 5, Mana: Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resource for Nkhata Bay District Council, Raphael Mkisi, has urged famers in the district to embrace value addition to agricultural produce in order for their produce to compete on the market.

Mkisi was speaking Thursday at Chipopoma Ground during Nkhata Bay District Agriculture Fair where various agriculture stakeholders displayed a number of farm produce, inputs and implements for sale.

He expressed concern that the district faces low adoption of new agriculture practices due to inadequate agriculture extension workers.

“Besides this, some challenges include land degradation and low access to farm inputs by small scale famers.

“To excel under such conditions and attract the market, farmers need to embark on value addition to their produce,” he said.

Chairperson for Nkhata Bay District Council, Joseph Thula, advised agro dealers across the country to establish depots in the district as famers struggle to access farm inputs and implements.

Agribusiness Manager for Village Farms Limited, Chisomo Zawanda, said he has learnt new skills in value addition which will help his company increase production.

He commended Nkhata Bay District Council for organising the event which, he said, provided a platform for farmers to share best practices.

The fair was held under the theme ‘Agricultural value addition, leveraging technology for agricultural development.’