Official Urges Farmers to Safeguard Produce Amid Looming Hunger

MZIMBA DISTRICT, MALAWI - The Senior Deputy Director of Agriculture and Research in the northern region and manager for Lunyangwa Research Station in Mzuzu, Tonny Harris Maurana, has urged farmers to safeguard their produce amid concerns of impending food scarcity, writes Susan Moyo.

Speaking as the guest of honour at a field day organized by the Mzuzu Agriculture Development Division (ADD) office at Timeyo Shonga village, Zombwe EPA under traditional authority Mtwalo in Mzimba district on Thursday, Maurana expressed optimism about crop production in most areas in the north, except for Karonga district, which experienced a drought that adversely affected their crops.

"I have been to several districts in the north, and the crop production is quite good, apart from Karonga district, which experienced drought and crop loss. Therefore, farmers should safeguard their crops so that those affected by drought and Cyclone Freddy in the southern region can rely on them," said Maurana.

Maurana also commended the adoption of different farming technologies such as double-row planting, intercropping, improved varieties, and agroforestry in addressing food security concerns in the country.

Ezra Mbendera, Director of Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources at M'mbelwa District Council, commented on the importance of organizing exchange visits for farmers to learn from each other.

"Exchange visits are one of the methodologies we normally use in the agriculture sector. We take farmers to places where things are going well so that they can adopt the successful farming practices of their fellow farmers to improve their own farming," said Mbendera.

McJum Thomas Chikowo, the Programs Manager for Mzuzu ADD, highlighted that farmers are now embracing new farming methods after initial reluctance due to awareness of climate change.

"At first, farmers were hesitant to change from local farming methods, but after realizing the impact of climate change, they are embracing innovative farming techniques, and we are witnessing positive results," said Chikowo.

One farmer from Timeyo Shonga Model Village, Adson Gama, who practices agroforestry agriculture, shared how his life has changed for the better.

"In the past, I used to harvest 18 tins of maize on one hectare of land, but now with this innovation, I am able to harvest 60 tins on the same piece of land," said Gama.

The field day was held under the theme "Diversified Agricultural Production with Improved Technologies for Sustainable Livelihoods."

Farmers were encouraged to adopt modern farming techniques to enhance food security in the face of potential challenges.

Maurana's call to safeguard produce reminds farmers to take proactive measures to protect their crops and ensure food availability for their communities.