Project hailed for road network to farmers
Ntchisi farmers have commended the Rural Livelihood Economic Enhancement Programme (Rleep) for opening up road networks in their areas.
Chisula Rleep club chairperson Yosefe Chagalawanda said this on Friday during an Irish Potato Show at Chinkhande in Ntchisi. He said the road network the programme has enhanced Irish potato and other farm produce business in the district.
Said Chagalawanda: “We used to sell our Irish potatoes at give away prices because it was difficult for potential customers to reach us. However, ever since the programme opened up roads in our areas there has been a business boom.”
Rleep commodity specialist Shelix Munthali said Irish potatoes have the potential to improve the economy and change farmers’ lives, hence, the programme.
He said Rleep was promoting agriculture commercialisation and this cannot be achieved if farmers are not reacheable due to poor roads and bridges.
Apart from opening up roads, Rleep is also encouraging farmers to form cooperatives to enhance their bargaining power on the commodity market.
Rleep is a government of Malawi project that promotes Irish potato and ground nut farming.
