Irrigation uptake limited—report
A recent report by the National Planning Commission (NPC) has shown that lack of knowledge on irrigation farming, is constraining growth of the agricultural sector.
According to the report, Malawi’s overall irrigation potential is estimated at 408,000 hectares, of which only about a third (118, 833 ha) has been developed.
The report, titled Cost Benefit Analysis of Stimulating Farmer Uptake of Irrigation in Malawi, has indicated that the main hindrance to irrigation is that equipment is expensive and farmers lack knowledge on how to use it.
NPC has since suggested that there should be funding channelled towards farmers.
“Re-orient extension workers to provide better and more market orientated information on irrigation usage for smallholder farmers, provide financing and grants to smallholder farmers for solar irrigation pumps and provide financing and grants to estate farms for solar irrigation pumps,” it suggests.
Justin Mkweu is a fast growing reporter who currently works with Times Group on the business desk.
He is however flexible as he also writes about current affairs and national issues.
