Mzimba chief urges farmers to embrace modern techniques

Traditional Authority (T/A) Jalavikuwa of Mzimba has appealed to farmers in his area to adopt modern farming techniques and diversify crops to ensure food security.

The chief made the appeal on Friday when Mzimba North Agriculture Office and other stakeholders held a field day to appreciate progress being made in promotion of modern farming methods.

The agriculture office is working with stakeholders such as Catholic Development Commission (Cadecom), Synod of Livingstonia Development Department (Soldev), Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) and Find Your Feet.

The chief said farming techniques such conservation agriculture, intercropping, improved varieties and others can end hunger that some farmers face when disasters hit.

“If all of us can adopt these methods, I am sure we will achieve food security, but also have surplus which we can sell. I would like to encourage all farmers to embrace these techniques,” said Jalavikuwa.

Mzuzu Agriculture Development Division crops officer Ulemu Tembo said the division is also promoting irrigation farming to ensure that farmers cultivate throughout the year.

She said if they harvest more than once a year, farmers are assured of food security and the surplus can also be sold.

“We want farmers to adopt these technologies. There are a number of technologies that we are promoting and we believe a number of farmers are going to learn from that,” said Tembo. n