By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, October 31, Mana. In a bid to boost local agribusiness, youths in Mangochi have united to launch the district's first-ever Farmers Market Day, slated for Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Villa Tafika Lodge within Mangochi town.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency, an agribusiness person and Executive Director of Jeyie Foods, Jacqueline Banda said the launch is meant to create a platform for local agricultural products on top of allowing youth in agribusiness to interact with potential customers and partners.

Banda observed that youths in the district were trained in various incubation programmes but they lack platforms where they can showcase and sell their products and skills hence the Farmers Market Day.                    

She said that the initiative was in line with the government's development agenda of the Malawi Vision 2063 and the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining strategy which encourages Malawians to explore opportunities in agriculture, tourism and mining sectors.

“This is a hub for businesses in Mangochi. We want people especially the youth and women to sell their skills or products to connect with partners and share ideas on how they can scale up their businesses,

“It's not about food or agriculture businesses only but also those in arts, fashion and design plus those in craft. Service providers and many others are encouraged to come and showcase their businesses,” added Banda.

She said that Farmers Market Day will be a monthly event and expressed hope that it will help people in Mangochi to have a picture of what happens at the country's trade fair which takes place every year in Blantyre.

She, therefore, appealed to young people in the district, organisations as well as government sectors to patronize the day in large numbers to make it eventful, adding that the Farmers Market Day entry will be free.

In his remarks, a poultry farmer in the district, Bright Chilumpha welcomed the initiative saying that it will give small-scale entrepreneurs a chance to increase visibility, market research and trend identification.

“This is a very good opportunity for us to sell our products and expose our businesses. As young entrepreneurs, we lack opportunities like these to meet potential buyers and partners. We also expect to learn from other people's experiences who are making good strides in agribusiness,” he added.

Some of the day’s activities include exhibiting artwork including visual art, kids’ corner, music and sale of local food prepared by Mangochi-based food outlets.