Cyclone Freddy washed away 15,000 hectares— Fum
By Sanenje Nkhani Mussa:
A Farmers Union of Malawi (Fum) preliminary assessment has indicated that Tropical Cyclone Freddy washed away 15,000 hectares of crop fields in five districts.
The cyclone affected Southern Region districts.
Fum President Maness Nkhata said on Saturday— when they visited crop fields in Muleso Village, Traditional Authority Nsomba, Blantyre— that the assessment was done in Zomba, Mulanje, Phalombe, Blantyre and Nsanje.
“It is sad to note that many people have lost their loved ones, with crop fields washed away, leaving farmers hopeless, a situation that is likely to contribute to food insecurity in the country.
We are appealing to the government and other stakeholders to support rehabilitation works in irrigation schemes so that farmers can use the schemes for winter cropping.
“Additionally, they should support farmers with crop inputs for winter cropping. They should also help those who are into livestock production,” Nkhata said.
One of the affected farmers, Mercy Chitimbe, concurred with Nkhata, saying the situation has left them hopeless.
She asked the government and other stakeholders to intervene by helping them with seeds and fertiliser to use for irrigation farming in order to have food to support their households.
Speaking at the event, Group Village Head Jumbe expressed gratitude to Fum for visiting affected farmers.— Mana
