By Mercy Matonga
The National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (Nasfam) has urged the government to consider diversity when investing in the agriculture sector.
Nasfam Chief Executive Officer Betty Chinyamunyamu said in Lilongwe on Thursday at a meeting the organisation had with the parliamentary committee on agriculture.
She said the country heavily invests in maize production, which has not been productive over the years.
“About K231 billion (23 percent) locked in Fisp [Farm input Subsidy Programme] and maize purchases crowds out irrigation, research and extension. Without reform, productivity stagnation will continue,” Chinyamunyamu said.
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Chinyamunyamu also said there is a need to invest in different forms of agriculture, including livestock, as the country also needs meat for consumption.
“Huge investment goes to maize, yet in some areas people do not depend on maize, as some eat millet or kondole as their staple food,” she said.
Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Anthony Kamoto said there are several challenges facing the subsidy programme, but there is a need for a better replacement.
“Yes, challenges are there, but this cannot be phased out without any alternative options. We need something that can replace this system and not just leave farmers out,” Kamoto said.
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He, however, added that it is true that the country needs to invest more in other crops, as some crops perform better in certain areas than others
