Karonga ADD holds agriculture fair
Karonga Agricultural Development Division(Kradd) has organised a three day Agriculture Fair under the theme ‘Sustainable Agriculture, Value Addition and Market Linkages Key to Economic Growth’ as one way of helping farmers to access markets for their agricultural produce.
Speaking during the opening ceremony on Wednesday, Senior Chief Wasambo, who represented Paramount Chief Kyungu, expressed concern over illegal exportation of farm inputs from Malawi to neighbouring countries like Tanzania and Zambia.
The Senior Chief said borders in Karonga and Chitipa are pourous, resulting in people from the neighbouring countries acquiring farm products from farmers in Malawi at low prices.
In his remarks, head of Agricultural Sector Wide Approach Programme (ASWAP)in the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Nelson Mataka said it is sad that most of the farm produce in border districts such as Karonga and Chitipa is illegally exported.
He advised farmers in the country to hold their patience and sell their produce at Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) markets.
Exhibitors at the agriculture fair included financial institutions, agro dealers, input suppliers and farmers’ organisations.
