The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, has expressed concern over the underutilisation of local agricultural research findings, urging Malawians to embrace homegrown innovations to boost food production and exports.
Speaking during a visit to Mlomba Agriculture Extension Planning Area in Traditional Authority Changala, Lilongwe, Chambo stressed the need for farmers and stakeholders to adopt technologies developed by Malawian researchers.
“Our researchers are professionals. They have produced a lot for the country, but we are failing to adopt what they have done,” said Chambo.
“We are naturally inclined to use things from outside rather than what our own researchers have developed. Even motivation for our researchers is lacking.”
He said that Malawi is missing out on opportunities to commercialise its innovations due to limited uptake and support.
“We are not even exporting our technologies because there is no motivation for users or for the people who are developing them. Our country is rich when it comes to agricultural potential, but we need to take these technologies on board. Let’s use our own materials,” he added.
Chambo called for increased budgetary allocations to research institutions, saying, “More resources are being wasted because we only use two or three varieties of crops when we have many. Research is what will build our agriculture system.”
Echoing his sentiments, Rex Baluwa, National Programme Coordinator for Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme Phase II (SAPP II), highlighted the role of research in boosting agricultural productivity and commercialisation.
“Through SAPP, we have invested a lot into technology development and the promotion of good agricultural practices,” said Baluwa.
“We are also providing grants to farm organisations to enhance production and productivity,” added Baluwa.
He noted that research stations play a crucial role in generating technologies that meet market needs.
“Our researchers are responding to the demands of agricultural commercialisation. They are developing technologies that, when adopted, will ensure farmers and the country benefit from improved productivity and quality,” said Baluwa.
He also stressed the importance of linking smallholder farmers to markets as they transition from subsistence to commercial farming.
“When we talk about agricultural commercialisation, we must focus on good agricultural practices and technologies that align with market needs. If we do this, our farmers will make good profits, and the country will benefit as well,” he concluded.
The visit to Mlomba comes as the government rolls out the second phase of SAPP II.
SAPP II is a seven-year programme being implemented in four districts namely: Mzimba, Dowa, Lilongwe and Balaka.
The goal of the programme is to contribute towards wealth creation, and improve food and nutrition security among the rural population of Malawi.
#MBCDigital
#Manthu
