By Charlie Ligomeka

Machinga, February 24, Mana: Cabinet ministers have expressed satisfaction with the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) fertilizer loans accessed by farmers across the country.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, accompanied by Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu; Minister of Higher Education, Jessie Kabwila and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patricia Nangozo Kainga, made the remarks on Sunday when the cabinet ministers toured Mlooka Irrigation Scheme along Shire River in Zomba and farmers in Machinga.

He commended farmers in both Zomba and Machinga for adopting best agricultural practices to achieve sustainable livelihood.

Chambo hailed Machinga District Council, through the Directorate of Agriculture, for providing extension services to farmers that also benefited from NEEF fertilizer loans.

“Your efforts in creating good relationship with farmers are commendable. Prioritizing the agriculture sector will help address hunger in the district.

 “We are committed to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth, improve food security, and enhance people’s livelihoods,” Chambo said.

A tobacco and maize farmer at Kapoloma in Machinga, Loveness Kamwendo, commended extension workers for advising her to adopt good agricultural practices and for accessing the fertilizer loan when she said had no hope to purchase the commodity.

“I am happy that l will have a good harvest of tobacco and maize. This is a great milestone to me,” Kamwendo said.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patricia Nangozo Kainga, encouraged women to take an active role in agriculture, citing Kamwendo as a good example of women that  are fairing well in agriculture.

NEEF Risks Compliance Manager, Harmony Mwavula, commended the ministers tour saying it provided an opportunity for the delegation to appreciate benefits of NEEF fertilizer loan to farmers.

“This demonstrates impact of our initiatives on the ground. The ministers' satisfaction is a testament to our work,” he said.

Mlooka Irrigation Scheme, which was completed in December 2023, sits on 256 hectares of land.

The scheme got financial support from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and was constructed under Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) project.