Farmers urged to use climate-smart technologies
Farmers in Mzuzu have been advised to adopt sustainable agricultural practices in order to maximise productivity and help minimise effects of climate change.
Speaking on behalf of Mzuzu City Mayor during Mzimba North Agriculture Trade Fair held at Taifa Market on Wednesday, Councillor Judith Chiume, said farmers can achieve high productivity if they use climate-smart farming technologies.
Chiume observed that poor farming practices, such as use of artificial fertiliser and other chemicals, cause damage to the soils, resulting in poor yields, hence the need for farmers to maximise the use of climate-smart farming technologies.
She encouraged farmers to adopt the use of compost manure and crop rotation, among other practices, as a way of achieving high agricultural productivity.
“Farmers are required to use the smart technologies which include compost manure making, crop rotation and other methods that cause minimum soil disturbance.
“This will improve the processes performed on produce through value addition from the point of production to the final consumer,” Chiume said.
Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division Programme Manager, Agness Moyo, echoed Chiume’s sentiments, saying farmers need to adapt to the changing environment by using modern farming technologies that work well within the context of climate change.
“The use of smart technologies and agribusiness will help farmers to increase productivity and improve market access, thereby sustaining their livelihood,” Moyo said.
The trade fair, which will run for three days from today, is expected to, among other things, encourage farmers to continue fighting against climate change through the use of smart farming technologies.
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