The Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) is one of the six organisations globally that has received the Global Golden Leaf Award in recognition of its innovative approaches to promoting crop diversification and improving productivity among smallholder farmers.
Speaking in an interview with MBC, Executive Director for CAT, Macleod
Nkhoma attributed the award to different initiatives that the organisation is implementing in supporting Malawian smallholder farmers to diversify their income streams.
“We have smart farms at Bunda and NRC campuses of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources LUANAR as well as at Makoka Research Station in Zomba where we are demonstrating modern
technologies to farmers so that they can adopt them and improve their productivity. You are aware that under Malawi 2063, the first pillar is focusing on promoting productivity, diversification and commercialization, at CAT we are working towards ensuring that farmers are provided with necessary skills and technologies for them to contribute to the achievement of the vision,” said Nkhoma.
One of the awards grabbed by the CAT
Nkhoma has since highlighted the need for collaboration among the civil society, public and private sectors in expanding farmers’ reach to these smart farms.
He said with resources available, the smart farm initiative can be implemented at the Agricultural Development Division (ADD) level so that many farmers benefit from new farming technologies being showcased
there.
The Golden Leaf Awards program is an initiative of Tobacco Reporter Magazine aimed at honouring outstanding individuals, companies and organisations associated with Tobacco harm reduction initiatives
including the promotion of crop diversification among tobacco farmers.
Written by Doreen Sonani.
Pic: Macleod Nkhoma – Executive Director – CAT
#mbcmw
#mbcnewslive
#mbconlineservices
