The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched an initiative focused on improving value chains for three crops in the country namely cowpeas, sorghum and sesame to improve agricultural productivity and boost exports.
During a stakeholder sensitisation meeting in Lilongwe, WFP Country Director, Paul Turnbull, said the three crops, though important to the country amid regular dry spells, have been neglected.
Controller of Agriculture Extension and Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Alfred Mwenefumbo, said the project will prioritise these crops because of their immediate potential, especially in addressing issues such as drought resilience and smallholder farmer export levels.
Mwenefumbo said Sorghum, for instance, is more drought tolerant than maize while Sesame has a big international market that needs to be explored.
Mwenefumbo said the government expects to see mega farms for these three crops soon.
By Yamikani Makanga
