By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, October 5, Mana: In an effort to transform agriculture production through large-scale farming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), George Macheka has expressed enthusiasm with NFRA and Mega Farm partnership describing the initiative as a milestone in enhancing maize production and farmer’s income in the country.
Macheka disclosed this development on Friday where he highlighted the significant successes of its partnership with the Mega Farms Unit in the Ministry of Agriculture, which has been instrumental in boosting maize production across Malawi.
He also expressed Malawi Government’s commitment in line with President Lazarus Chakwera’s sentiments made on 31st August 2023 during the official launch of the Mega Farm concept at Kanengo, Lilongwe attributing to the Malawi 2063(Mw2063) Agenda which describes Malawi Government’s aspirations to be accomplished before the nation’s centennial, specifying a need to develop mega-farms for an increased agriculture production, productivity and commercialization as well as contributing to urbanization and industrialization.
According to NFRA CEO, the project is aimed at the development of anchor medium and large-scale farms and youth incubator farms to accelerate agriculture commercialization. Previously President Chakwera highlighted that the Private Sector Mega Farms Program plays a very crucial role in revamping Malawi's agricultural sector. He also emphasized the necessity of supporting subsistence farmers in transitioning to agricultural mechanization to enhance crop productivity.
“This initiative has already generated MK11.8 billion in income for the contracted farmers and NFRA is pleased to confirm that all farmers have been paid in full for their deliveries and today marks another chapter in the Mega Farms journey as a total of MK6.052 billion has been paid to farmers at one go. This payment will likely have ripple effects in the economy and help to motivate farmers to participate in the initiative in the 2024/25 growing season,” he said.
As part of its continued partnership, NFRA has also entered into contracts for winter cropping, with deliveries from irrigated farms expected in December 2024. These contracts will further enhance the agency’s capacity to maintain strategic grain reserves during off-peak growing seasons, helping ensure food security all year-round.
Furthermore, Macheka has disclosed NFRA plans to sign additional off-taking agreements with mega farmers for the upcoming rainy season, expanding the scope of the partnership and further solidifying the maize supply.
“The agency remains committed to fostering lasting relationships with these mega-farms, ensuring that the initiative evolves into a sustainable, long-term collaboration that consistently benefits both farmers and the nation,” he added.
He also said that through the partnership with Mega Farms program, NFRA remains committed to champion local production, stabilize maize supply, and deliver substantial financial returns to farmers contributing to the growth and development of Malawi’s agricultural sector.
The initiative has seen 183 mega farmers signing contracts to supply maize to NFRA. To date, the farmers have collectively delivered 13,882 Metric Tonnes of maize, with deliveries still ongoing.
