Chitipa establishes lead farmer networks

Chitipa District Agriculture Development Office says it banks its hopes on the newly-introduced District Lead Farmer Networks Committee in the wake of inadequate agricultural extension development coordinators in the district.

In an interview, Chitipa district farm mechanisation officer Cosmas Chikapa said the committee was established to enable lead farmers to teach fellow farmers in remote areas new farming technologies.

He said: “As of now, there are few officers as compared to the number of farmers in the district which is difficult for the officers to reach every farmer.

“I urge farmers in the district to learn from the lead farmer networks.”

He encouraged famers to adhere to information on new farming interventions from non-governmental organisations working in their areas.

Evangelical Lutheran Development Services  assistant development programme officer Mascot Maseko said his NGO was ready to work with the lead farmer networks to promote their skills in conservation agriculture and other areas.

Chitipa District Lead Larmer Networks chairperson Abraham Kayange from Lufita Extension Planning Area said he believed the committee would improve farmers’ economic aspect.

“Farmers face problems such as lack of markets and low prices for their crops,” he said.