Lack of irrigation tools worries Salima farmers

Salima-based farmers have expressed concern over lack of irrigation farming tools, saying the situation has led to the reduction of agricultural output in the district.

The alarm was raised on Tuesday when Peacock Seeds Company gave the farmers 1 000 kilogrammes (kg) of maize seed worth K1.2 million to enable them engage in irrigation farming as they wait for the next growing season.

Agriculture Area stakeholder bureau chairperson Harrun Chapola said the donation came at the right time when the soil still moist.

He, however, expressed worry over the shortage of irrigation farming equipment such as treadle pumps, cemented irrigation canals, water engines and water sources.

“These are the materials that the farmers are lacking. We are grateful for the seeds. Let me take this opportunity to ask well-wishers to help us with irrigation technical skills and tools,” Chapola said.

In his remarks, member of Parliament (MP) for Salima Central, Felix Jumbe, who is also director of Peacock Seed Company, advised farmers to take agriculture as a business if they want to succeed.

Agriculture extension development coordinator Christina Masoatenganji promised to equip farmers with skills to help them maximise their production. n