By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, June 7, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has called upon farmers to be innovative by focusing on non-food agricultural products such as cotton, and not only food crops, in order to achieve the country’s economic growth.

He was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe Friday evening during a presidential dinner hosted for Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) leaders and members.

Chakwera said there is need for farmers to adopt new strategies in farming as the country imports a lot of products which can be locally produced.

"The government will continue supporting farmers so that they improve in production of agricultural commodities as agricultural sector plays a significant role on the global market”, he said.

He appreciated the farmers for the efforts they put in producing crops despite challenges they face in their fields.

FUM President, Maness Nkhata, expressed gratitude to the president for supporting efforts which farmers put in their work saying it is encouraging to farmers.

“We are pleased for the assistance we receive from government. As farmers, we are going to continue working for the betterment of country,” Nkhata said.