Farmers urged to use quality seeds
By Imam Wali:
Alliance for Green Revolution on Africa (Agra) has urged groundnuts farmers in the country to plant improved varieties of seed and negotiate for better markets to maximise profits.
Agra Country Director, Sofie Chitedze, said the firm is impressed with role various stakeholders in the agricultural sectors play in ensuring that the country is food secure.
She was speaking on Tuesday during a media tour in Salima District.
“The fields look so impressive and that shows that this year’s output will be good and hopefully, turn the farmer’s fortunes so that next season will pick from where they have left,” Chitedze said.
One of the farmers, Manase Chijaro, who is also chairperson of Chilimika Cooperative in Traditional Authority Kalonga, said the cooperative has grown groundnut on 8.2 hectares.
He said they expect to harvest 2,000 kilogrammes.
“This is the first time we are planting CG 11 seed. We were taught good farming practices to enable us have bumper yield,” he said.
Global Seed Company Sales and Marketing Officer, Grey Chibwe, said by planting improved seed varieties, farmers are assured of bumper yield.
Global Seed Company is expecting to purchase over 20 tones of the commodity.
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