Chikwawa farmers urged to embrace solar irrigation
Malawi Government has handed over three solar powered irrigation sites in Nsanje and Chikwawa to help increase agricultural productivity and curb hunger in the country.
Presiding over the handover of the K300 million worth irrigation sites on Monday in Chikwawa, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Bright Msaka said communities should embrace solar energy to achieve national development.
The minister commended Christian Aid and other donor partners for establishing the irrigation schemes, saying rain-fed agriculture is no longer reliable because of climate change.
On her part, Britain’s Department for International Development (DfID)deputy head Fiona Lappin said Malawi has the capacity to feed its population through use of solar-powered irrigation technology to grow various crops.
In his remarks, Paramount Chief Lundu asked government to roll out the technology nationwide if Malawi is to achieve food security.
The three irrigation sites are Vimvi in Group Village Head Patalao under Chief Katunga in Chikwawa; Melo in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mbenje and Nsamba under Chief Chimombo in Nsanje.
They are expected to benefit over 10 000 households.
The handover ceremony was also attended by members of Parliament (MPs) from Chikwawa and Nsanje, chiefs, donor representatives and Christian Aid country manager Pansi Katenga.
