‘Low investment affecting farmers’
By Imam Wali:
The International Potato Centre (CIP) has lamented low investment towards Irish Potato production in the country, saying this is affecting output and earnings for farmers.
CIP said Irish Potato farmers are facing numerous challenges that require urgent attention from stakeholders.
CIP Programme Manager, Felistus Chipunga, said this on Friday when the organisation visited some Irish potato farmers in Dedza District.
“Lack of investors in the country is affecting Irish Potato farmers. They lack reliable market to offload their produces. This is contributing to wastage of Irish potato in most parts,” said Chipunga.
She said efforts are being made to ensure that farmers use improved hybrids tubers to maximise output.
Dedza District Horticulture Officer, Vitumbiko Zgambo, said more needs to be done to increase production.
One of the farmers, James Maulana, said farmers need support at all levels of the production chain including stable market.
CIP is implementing a project called Root and Tuber Crops for Agriculture Transformation in Malawi, focusing on cassava, sweet and Irish potato production.
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