Monday, January 25, 2021
  • About Us
  • ImagiNATION
  • Adverts
  • Rate Card
  • Contact Us
The Nation Online
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Life & Style
    • Every Woman
      • Soul
      • Family
    • Religion
    • Feature
  • Society
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Chichewa
  • Enation
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Life & Style
    • Every Woman
      • Soul
      • Family
    • Religion
    • Feature
  • Society
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Chichewa
  • Enation
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home Business Business News

Delayed chemicals threaten cotton output

by Johnny Kasalika
03/02/2012
in Business News
2 min read
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsAppShare on LinkedinLinkedinShare via Email

great lakes cotton | The Nation OnlineMalawi Government’s delay in distributing chemicals for spraying cotton could significantly affect the crop’s production.

RelatedHeadlines

Smuggling of flour, cooking oil rising, say traders

World bank touts Economic inclusion

Malawi trade balance to face continued pressure—firm

A snap survey in the Southern Region cotton growing districts of Chikhwawa, Machinga and Balaka has revealed that many people have grown the crop following last year’s record high prices  and the government’s K1.6 billion ($9.5m) Cotton Fund by the Malawi Government.

The survey also revealed that many growers in the districts are optimistic of better prices this year.

Michael Thom of Chikhwawa told Business News last Friday that the delayed chemicals have resulted in much of the crop being attacked by aphids and caterpillars.

“After government announced that it would support cotton growers with the K1.6 billion fund, many growers were excited and this resulted in their interest to grow the crop.

“Of course, there were some challenges in seed distribution, but eventually we received the seed and now the chemicals are nowhere to be seen,” said Thom.

Balaka-based Matola White of Nandumbo Village,T/A Kalembo in Balaka agreed that the district is also facing the problem.

“If the delivery of chemicals delays further, it will be a disaster,” said White.

Government is working with cotton buying companies and other stakeholders in ensuring the K1.6 billion programme is a success.

Among other things, Capital Hill is expected to supply the growers with quality seed, chemicals and sprayers.

Secretary for Agriculture Erica Maganga could not be reached for comment on the cause of delays in the distribution of chemicals and sprayers.

But Great Lakes Cotton Company managing director Amos Chipungu, whose company is one of the key stakeholders in the K1.6 billion initiative, while admitting the chemical distribution challenges, urged the growers to take good care of the crop by, among other things, thinning and weeding their fields.

Speaking in Balaka on Monday, Chipungu said all players are going by government’s programme and expressed hope that the chemicals will be distributed soon.

“Let me apologise that the inputs have delayed but you also need to appreciate that the chemicals and other inputs are coming from far. But I urge you to ensure that the crop is taken care of,” said Chipungu.

Government expects the K1.6 billion Cotton Fund to trigger a 263 percent jump in production from 55 000 metric tons in 2011 to around 200 000 metric tons in 2012.

Group village head Nandumbo  asked merchants to buy the crop at improved prices.

Previous Post

Malawi theatre at crossroads

Next Post

Zambia fights for Cosafa pride

Related Posts

flour | The Nation Online
Business News

Smuggling of flour, cooking oil rising, say traders

January 25, 2021
graph 6 | The Nation Online
Business News

World bank touts Economic inclusion

January 25, 2021
Business News

Malawi trade balance to face continued pressure—firm

January 23, 2021
Next Post
The Nation Online Zambia fights for Cosafa pride

Zambia fights for Cosafa pride

Trending Stories

  • covid 2 | The Nation Online

    SA returnees in forced quarantine

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • court rebuffs apm on frozen account

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Tonse faulted on former presidents’ benefits

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Wasteful Chakwera

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Citizens power brings change

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Opinions and Columns

My Turn

Behaviour change key in Covid-19 fight

January 25, 2021
Emily Mkamanga

Citizens power brings change

January 24, 2021
Search Within

The rural farmer needs to take centre stage

January 24, 2021
My Thought

Spread hope not fear

January 24, 2021
  • Values
  • Our Philosophy
  • Editorial policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Code of Conduct
  • Plagiarism disclaimer
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use

© 2021 Nation Publications Limited. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Life & Style
    • Every Woman
      • Soul
      • Family
    • Religion
    • Feature
  • Society
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Chichewa
  • Enation

© 2020 Nation Publications Limited. All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.