Government Establishes Mega Farms to Avert Hunger, Boost Economy

Malawi-Two months after the Ministry of Agriculture fulfilled its commitment to establish mega-farms across the country, three of them are already operational, writes Catherine Tembo.

The government is confident that this initiative will help avert the hunger situation in the country and improve the economy.

According to the Controller of Agriculture and Technology Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Alfred Mwenefumbo, the establishment of these mega-farms is a sign of tremendous progress in the agriculture sector.

"This is an indication that the country has made tremendous progress in improving the agriculture sector, hence boosting the country’s economy," he said in an interview.

The Nkopola mega-farm in Mangochi and Chipoka in Salima are currently operational, while others in Karonga, Chikwawa, and Nkhatabay are expected to follow soon.

The Nkopola mega-farm has an irrigation system that will allow crops to be grown all year.

Mwenefumbo acknowledged that the program has faced challenges such as drought in areas with scarce water and inadequate machinery.

However, he expressed optimism that, with the identification of these challenges, the ministry will rectify the problems in time for the 2023–2024 growing season.

"We are confident that with the establishment of these mega-farms and the rectification of the challenges we have faced, we will be able to achieve food security and improve the country’s economy," Mwenefumbo added.

The government's initiative to establish mega-farms is a step towards achieving Malawi2063, which aims to transform Malawi into a middle-income country.

With the mega-farms in operation, the government is now one step closer to achieving this goal.