By Priscilla Phiri

Lilongwe, February 25, Mana: Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Kaluwa-Adwell Chambo, has expressed concern on lack of youth participation in the agriculture sector.

He said this in Parliament on Tuesday in his response to a supplementary question asked by Member of Parliament (MP) for Rumphi West,  Yona Adadawiza Mkandawire.

Mkandawire pleaded with the Ministry to consider allocation of special farm equipment for youths in all constituencies to enable them be self employed and meaningfully contribute towards the country’s food security. 

Chambo lamented lack of interest in agriculture among youths despite availability of resources.

"We have equipment available for rent in the councils and Agricultural Development Divisions, National Economic Empowerment Fund loans, and mega farms to boost their productivity. However, it is sad to see that many youths are not seriously involved in agriculture in the country. We need them to be involved,” Chambo said.

He urged MPs to encourage youths in their constituencies to participate in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of increasing youth participation in the sector.

He acknowledged that the legal framework does not mandate the ministry to establish companies for farm machinery production, instead relying on private sector to produce equipment.

MP for Dedza South, Ishmael Onani, highlighted the need for policy and law amendments to make agriculture sector more attractive to youths.

He pleaded with the Ministry to consider having government owned companies for farm machinery production to create a favourable environment for the youths in the sector