National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) on Tuesday launched winter cropping agriculture loan inputs in Zomba.
Through the loan inputs, which among others include fertilizer, Maize seeds and a solar pump, NEEF is targeting over 200,000 farmers across the country.
Speaking at Kadewere Irrigation Scheme in the area of Traditional Authority Mwambo, NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni, said the aim of the loan inputs is to improve the country’s food security.
Mdyetseni said that according to data, the country requires 4 million metric tons of maize, which has not been achieved for the past two years.
He then said winter cropping, once implemented, would help close the gap.
“We are receiving overwhelming applications for loans and this only means more farmers need support. We expect that, through the farm inputs loans, Malawi is assured of enough food,” he said.
Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Linda Mphande, said provision of farm inputs is the best way to address food insecurity.
He said that with increasing fears of climate change, irrigation cropping is the best option.
Godfrey Makwinja, one of the beneficiaries under Kadewere Irrigation Scheme, said most of the farmers have the capability but lack financial and farm inputs.
“Many farmers are proud of the support from NEEF. We have been empowered and energised to do more,” he said.
A total of K51 million has been used to purchase fertiliser and maize seeds for 83 farmers under the scheme.
By Solister Mogha, MANA
