By Donald Zimba

Lilongwe, April 19, Mana: Ministry of Agriculture, through the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS), has unveiled a major initiative aimed at revolutionizing the country’s agricultural sector by promoting innovative farming technologies.

The development was showcased during an Agricultural Field Day held at Chisepo in Traditional Authority (TA) Kayembe, Dowa on Thursday.

The event, held in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), highlighted ongoing efforts under the Smallholder Agriculture Productivity and Promotion (SAPP) Tool Project to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

Speaking during the event, Controller of Agricultural Extension and Technical Services Alfred Mwenefumbo said the Ministry is working on establishing demonstration farms across the country where new technologies can be introduced and tested by farmers.

“The idea is to have five or six sectoral farms where we can demonstrate the various technologies developed by our research department.

“We’ve introduced innovations such as tablet fertilizers; one tablet dissolved in 200 litres of water is enough for a hectare of land. These are the kinds of technologies we want farmers to adopt,” he said.

He revealed that over 200 technologies are ready for dissemination, ranging from soil health management tools to improved agricultural practices, all aimed at increasing yield and strengthening food security.

With funding from IFAD, the SAPP Tool Project is being implemented in four districts, each expected to host a mega memonstration farm that will serve as a model for technology adoption.

“Our goal is to see widespread uptake of these innovations by 2030,” Mwenefumbo added.

IFAD Country Representative, Bernadette Mukonyora, praised the initiative, saying it reflects progress in achieving Malawi’s long-term development agenda, Malawi 2063, particularly in the area of agricultural commercialization.

“What we are witnessing here is the actualization of Malawi 2063’s first pillar. Farmers are not just adopting innovations, they’re understanding and articulating them in their own terms,” Mukonyora said.

She noted that the farmers demonstrated strong knowledge of fertilizer use, soil health, and modern farming methods, showing how research is being translated into practical, community-based solutions.

“In the wake of global crises like the Ukraine war, which disrupted grain supply chains, it’s clear Africa must invest more in agricultural research and development.

“Africa has the potential to feed itself and become the world’s breadbasket but only if we take agriculture seriously and ensure that research is market-driven,” she said.

The field day was held under the theme: “Connecting Farmers to Innovation for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity and Improved Livelihoods.”