New farming method yields more
Agriculturalists have urged farmers to adopt modern farming methods to improve their yields as rains become unpredictable.
The call came when agricultural extension workers toured maize fields in Emsizini, Mzimba, to familiarise themselves with deep-bed farming being propagated by Tiyeni Organisation.
The farming method involves tilling 30 centimetres (cm) deep and making beds spaced at 75cm where maize is planted 25cm.
She said: “A number of extension planning areas in Mzimba have been hit by erratic rains, but it is encouraging to see that crops grown using this technology in Emsizini have withstood the harsh conditions because of manure.
“We believe this technology will help us if it can be taken across other areas,” Mbakaya said.
The tour drew extension workers from Chiwamba, Madisi, Kazomba, Chikangawa, Mpherembe, Malidadi, Bwengu, Chikwina and Hora.
In an interview, Tiyeni senior manager Monjo Chavula said the technology has helped about 300 farmers in the remote locality under Traditional Authority Mzikubola to raise their yield.
Deep beds trap rain water and retain moisture for crop growth.
He said this would save Malawians from chronic hunger and other effects of climate change if adopted countrywide.
