By Charlie Ligomeka

Machinga, December 31, Mana: In an effort to combat hunger and boost agricultural productivity in Machinga, the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) Limited has distributed 514 bags of fertilizer worth MK54 million as a loan to 17 farmer groups and 19 individual farmers.

According to Alinanuswe Manda, NEEF supervisor for the Ntaja Branch, the initiative is particularly significant, given the region's struggle with poor soil fertility due to heavy rains and El Nino, which have washed away essential nutrients from the soil.

"Crop nutrition was a significant barrier earlier, but with this initiative, we're confident that farmers will have bumper harvest. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on food security, not only for the farmers' households but also for the broader community," Manda said.

An individual beneficiary, Janet Mambo from Kondoni Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Nsanama, who received 20 bags of Urea fertilizer and 20 bags of NPK, said the fertilizer loan program is a game-changer for them as farmers.

"This fertilizer will boost our harvests and ensure food security for my household," she said.

She also emphasized the importance of crop insurance, given the unpredictable nature of farming success.

"As a farmer, I know how devastating it can be to lose your crops due to unforeseen circumstances. The crop insurance offered by NEEF provides us with a sense of security and reassurance that we'll be protected in case of any adverse events," said Mambo.

Maick Saidi, chairperson of the Mjigo Suwedi Youth group, a farmer group from TA Nyambi, also hailed the initiative as his group has received 15 bags of Urea and 15 bags of NPK.

"This is a higher opportunity, and we have to utilize it by working hard, taking care of our farms and using best farming methods to make higher yields," he said.

Another beneficiary, Loveness Lodrick from TA Ntumbwinda, who received her share of fertilizer from a group of five people, echoed Mambo's sentiments, thanking NEEF for the loan program.

"We're thrilled to receive this fertilizer, which we couldn't have afforded otherwise. We will make sure to utilize this opportunity to produce a greater yield, which will help us pay back the loan and ensure food security for our households. We're confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on our lives and the lives of our families,” Lodrick said.

In addition to the fertilizer loan program, NEEF is also offering crop insurance to farmers through their partners Cooperatives Insurance Company (CIC) which provides farmers with a vital safety net against unpredictable weather conditions, such as droughts and cyclones.