By George Mponda

Karonga, August 22, Mana: Farmers in Karonga have been advised to be innovative and adapt to the changing environment by using modern technologies for sustainable agriculture production and high yields.

Vice Chairperson for Karonga District Council King Mvula said this Wednesday while speaking as a guest of honor at the 6th Karonga Agriculture Fair which was organised by the District Agriculture Extension Coordination Committee (DAECC).

Mvula said; “Adoption of climate smart agriculture will improve the productivity and profitability of farmers by introducing new adapted varieties and agronomic practices for rice, maize, and even tomatoes which will also enhance their value chains and strengthen Karonga's food security."

"It also promises to increase availability of nutritious food for communities and put more money in farmers’ pockets which is good for our district which is hit by disasters annually," he added.

Mvula went on to encourage farmers to be in cooperatives, associations and clubs so that they add value to their produce and sell in bulk for better prices which will create good relationship with buyers from other districts or even attracting international buyers.

In his remarks, Karonga DAECC's Acting Chairperson Jabesi Nyirenda said it is essential for farmers to change their ways of doing things especially with the district being prone to disasters.

"The effects and impacts of climate change are felt in the agriculture sector as they have resulted in the decline of agricultural productivity. Farmers need to adopt modern methods to ensure that they sustainably increase productivity, enhance resilience and ensure the achievement of food security and development goals," Nyirenda said.

The theme for the 6th Agriculture Trade Fair in Karonga was ‘Climate Smart Agriculture: Key to increased productivity, Agro-processing and Market Linkages for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods.’