By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, March 13, Mana: Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale has called on agriculture frontline workers to be aligned with new agricultural reforms for them to transform the country’s agricultural sector from subsistence to commercial farming, saying this is the only way to address hunger and boost productivity.

Agriculture frontline workers include extension development officers, crops officers, veterinary officers and irrigation officers.

Kawale made the call on Wednesday in Salima during an interface meeting with Salima and Nkhotakota agriculture frontline workers, where he also acknowledged that the success of the reforms depends largely on the alignment and support of frontline workers.

"We are engaging the frontline workers today because we acknowledge their essential role in the reforms, because they are responsible for executing agriculture programs on the ground," he said.

The minister said better coordination between the Ministry and its frontline staff, remains important, stating that communication would be a fundamental principle in achieving the sector's goals.

Kawale further said farmers must transition from depending on the Agricultural Input Programme (AIP), which has limited success in helping farmers thrive.

He added: "While AIP is important, it cannot be the sole solution to the challenges faced by the agriculture sector. Instead, there is a focus on providing farmers with more sustainable and efficient access to farm inputs and pushing them towards mechanization,” he said.

"We are engaging with organizations like the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to provide additional support for smallholder farmers looking to scale up their operations," he added.

The Ministry is further urging frontline workers to engage more actively with farmers, helping them understand the benefits of commercial farming and how it can lead to long-term development and prosperity.

Agriculture Extension Development Officer who also represented Technicians Union of Malawi, Rahaby Whayo Gama said the meeting with the Minister is an eye opener for them to have a better understanding of the ministry's shifting of focus from subsistence farming to commercial farming.

"We have been aligned with the plans of the Ministry, we are on the same page and when meeting farmers from our communities we will take a message that is in line with government's reforms and that they are going to be assisted with necessary skills and inputs," he said.

She however highlighted some of the challenges they are facing for them to be efficient in their work, such as mobility challenges, and lack of protective gear.

NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni said they have loan packages that aim at improving the productivity of farmers.

“We are a nation that still depends on agriculture, our path to development lies in commercial farming, and that is what we are pushing for. If we can get the frontline workers to fully support and align with these reforms, we will see real progress in our agriculture sector," he said.

The meetings will take place in all Agricultural Divisions in the country, and NEEF is supporting the series of meetings with financial support and technical expertise.