By Doricah Mkwapatira

Machinga, April 11, Mana: Agricultural authorities in Machinga have urged farmers in in the district to practise crop diversification and livestock farming to ensure food security throughout the year.

Machinga Agricultural Development Division (ADD) Chief Land Resources Conservation Officer Emmanuel Chirwa made the call during a recent district agricultural field fair, which was held at Mwamadi village ground in Traditional Authority Nkula.

Chirwa said good agricultural practices are ideal for sustainable crop and livestock production in the wake of climate change.

“Farmers need to diversify, especially in the times of climate change so that if one crop doesn't do well, they survive on other crops for food security.

“On top of that, farmers should also engage in livestock rearing for financial stability and be able to support their households,” he added.

Chirwa also emphasised fruit and vegetable cultivation in reference to one farmer at Mtubwi Extension Planning Area in Machinga who is growing banana for a living.

During the fair, held under the theme ‘Diversification for Sustainable Food and Nutrition, Climate Change Mitigation and Economic Empowerment’, farmers showcased various farm produce, constructed elevated and improved goat kraals and displayed ways of preparing nutritious food, among others.

The agricultural fair also appreciated goat pass-on programme among farmers and a fish pond managed by women as part of aquaculture integrated farming.

Stella Moses, a goat farmer who showcased her improved goat kraal, testified of the benefits of modern livestock farming practices, saying adoption of such practices improved income at household level and living standards.

“Since I adopted the elevated kraal method, my goats are very healthy because of good ventilation in the kraal, improved sanitation, reduced parasite infestation. I also collect manure which I apply in my garden for crop production as well,

“My goats and crops bring so much returns such that I am now able to support my whole family, send my children to school and afford nutritious meals" she added.

During the agricultural fair, farmers at Traditional Authority Nkula were acknowledged for their remarkable adoption of good agricultural practices such that Mtubwi Extension Planning Area (EPA) was regarded as an outstanding EPA in Machinga.

Traditional Authority Nkula expressed gratitude over the recognition and concurred with the call for crop diversity, saying farmers need to adopt good farming practices to ensure Machinga becomes a food basket.

“We are feeding ourselves and have more to support other districts like Balaka and Mangochi. If we go by the advice from Machinga ADD, we can harvest enough to feed the whole eastern region,” he added.

Nkula further encouraged farming households to intensify best farming practices and to diversify crops to pass on good agricultural practices to the next generation to ensure continuity.

Machinga ADD, in collaboration with partners such as Sight Savers, Bayer Malawi, NBS Bank, Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (Cadecom) in the Zomba Diocese, One Acre Fund, Development Concept, Glowbest, Youth Impact and Farm Radio Trust, supported the district agricultural field fair.