Malawi’s Mega Farms Unit has intensified efforts to address productivity gaps in government-run agricultural projects through targeted skills training aimed at improving crop production, livestock management, irrigation, mechanisation, and agribusiness practices.
The initiative is designed to strengthen performance among institutions engaged in maize production on behalf of the government and boost overall agricultural output.
Director of Mega Farms in the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Henry Msatilomo, made the remarks in Mponela Dowa during capacity building of officers from institutions tasked with growing maize on behalf of Government.
He further said institutions tasked with producing maize for government reserves have been performing below expectations, necessitating focused capacity-building interventions.
“Their performance has been average. And that’s why we identified some training gaps,” Msatilomo said.
He explained that several institutions, including the Green Belt Authority, Salima Sugar Company, the Malawi Prison Service, and the Malawi Defence Force, are involved in government-supported maize production. However, yields have remained below target due to technical limitations and gaps in agronomic knowledge.
Msatilomo noted that the programme, which is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aims to raise maize productivity to at least four metric tonnes per hectare while strengthening technical expertise among field officers through structured training and knowledge-sharing sessions.
He further said the initiative promotes improved land resource management and encourages institutions to adopt modern farming systems that can withstand challenges such as erratic rainfall and climate variability.
Commenting on the same, Assistant Commissioner of the Malawi Prison Service, Jones Singo, said the training was equipping participants with practical skills that would improve agricultural operations within their institutions.
“Production, animal production, soil improvement, irrigation and mechanization. I think when we go deep in this training, we are not going back with empty heads.”
Singo added that the training would help institutions implement improved farming techniques, enhance productivity, and better respond to challenges such as transport limitations and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
The Mega Farms initiative is expected to contribute to improved national food security by strengthening the efficiency and output of government-led agricultural production systems.
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