By George Bulombola

Mzuzu, January 14, Mana: Ministry of Trade and Industry Sosten Gwengwe has urged legume cooperatives to embark on crop production diversification, as legumes have readily available markets.

Gwengwe was speaking Monday when he interacted with members of Team North Cooperative Society which is based in Mzimba North District.

He said the existence of international companies that use raw soya beans, groundnuts and beans for production of various commodities like cooking oil and therapeutic products is an indication that Malawi has great potential in agriculture production.

“I therefore urge all legume cooperatives across the country to consider growing more legumes. Malawi signed a trade protocol with China through which Malawi will be exporting soya beans.

“Bakhresa Malawi Limited, in a few coming months, will be inaugurating its 500 metric ton soya beans crashing plant and this is an indication to other companies and individuals who use soya for various products that soya beans has the market,” said Gwengwe.

He then advised cooperatives to embrace use of modern farming technologies for improved productivity on small pieces of land, considering that farming land is shrinking due to population boom and construction.

“Use of modern technologies in farming will lead to production of more produce from small pieces of land and enhanced value addition for produce to compete on both local and international markets,” he said.

Chairperson for Team North Cooperative Society, Chimwemwe Sibale, said the organization has secured a market for beans in Kenya and applauded Ministry of Trade and Industry for facilitating the achievement.

“We thank Agriculture Commercialization (AGCOM) Project for providing a grant of about K131 million with the society’s 10 percent contribution totaling to about K188 million.

“This grant was invested in farming productive asserts which include Massey Ferguson Tractor and its accessories such as plough, harrower, ridger and planter, besides using the money for procuring multipurpose thresher and part of it was used to build a warehouse,” said Sibale.

The 56 membership society envisions to realize K210 million and K300 million from sales of beans and soya beans respectively in the current growing season.