By Solister Mogha

Zomba, November 5, Mana: District Commissioner for Zomba, Reinghard Chavula has emphasized on the need for farmers in the district to embrace irrigation farming to avert occurrences of hunger.

Chavula made the call Tuesday at Madevu Farm in Machinga during a quarterly review meeting for Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) project, which is supporting construction of two major irrigation schemes in the district.

The DC said, due to climate change which has heavily affected the rainfall pattern, it was good for farmers to take irrigation farming seriously.

“It's time our farmers started embracing irrigation farming because it is only through irrigation farming that we can be assured of constant and improved food security,” Chavula said.

While supporting the establishment of new irrigation schemes, the DC appealed for the resumption of some old but damaged schemes.

“Much as we talk of constructing new schemes, let's also impart knowledge to farmers on the need to sustain all programmes being implemented in the district and also promote ownership of all development projects,” the DC added.

District Irrigation Officer, Chikondi Mangulenje, said Zomba District has potential land for irrigation of about 11, 583ha.