Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale has said the government plans to put 48,000 hectares (ha) of land under irrigation after the rain-fed harvest to avert looming hunger in the country.
This could potentially produce 480 million kilograms of maize if two irrigation cycles of the crop are implemented.
In an interview, Kawale said the predominant crop will be maize.
“We also need to produce other high value crops for export. But if we decide to just produce maize, then we are looking at 240,000 tonnes, which is very significant,” Kawale said.
On Monday President Lazarus Chakwera toured Wovwe Irrigation Mega Farm in Karonga which is expected to be increased to 1,200ha from the current 700ha this year.
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Civil Society Agriculture Network Chairperson Herbert Chagona said the government’s focus on investing in irrigation infrastructure and mega farms is a step in the right direction.
He said the move is an ideal step towards ensuring food security.
“However, it is essential to ensure proper planning, execution, and management to maximise use of the land,” Chagona said.
In a separate interview, agricultural policy expert Leonard Chimwaza said Malawi needs to employ various mechanisms including intensive irrigation farming to supplement rain-fed production.
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“What we need is prudent allocation of resources towards infrastructure development, robust agricultural extension delivery system, coordinated value chain development and proper development and management of farmer organisation,” Chimwaza said.
