By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, April 24, Mana: Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Lilongwe district council Ezra Mbendela has challenged farmers in the district to start embracing new agricultural technologies in order for them to have bumper yields.
Mbendela made the call Wednesday at Mapuyu headquarters ground in the area of Senior Chief Kalolo in Chileka Extension Planning Area (EPA) during agriculture field day.
“Times have changed because of Climate change and farmers now should start cultivating in a different way. So by bringing in different new farming methods, we want farmers to start managing soil, water and increase productivity,” said Mbendela.
He added that it is interesting and encouraging that many farmers in the district have started using and appreciating the new agricultural technologies in their farms.
Mbendela further said apart from increasing crop productivity, the district is also promoting dairy production, and he described it as one of highest paying enterprises among the livestock class in the district.
Speaking on behalf of other farmers, Tithokoze Kamkwamba, a banana farmer in Namitete in the area of Senior Chief Kalolo, urged other famers to take their farming as a business if they are to reduce their poverty levels.
“We started this farming in 2019 after seeing that there was a gap in banana production in the area. We are now supplying our bananas and vegetables to Namitete Secondary school and Natitete Technical College and our lives are never the same,” he said
In his remarks, Senior Chief Kalolo expressed excitement to see his subjects showcasing different crops and livestock after adopting new agricultural technologies.
“I am so happy that farmers in my area have now started realizing bumper yields unlike in the past due to the new agriculture methods, and I am optimistic that this will change their livelihood,” he said.
The field day was conducted under the theme: ‘Climate Smart and Diversified Agriculture, Key to Sustainable Food and Nutritional Security.’
