Farmers advised to diversify farming methods

BY WATIPASO MZUNGU JNR

                             Mbandambanda (left), Chibingu admiring green maize

Farmers in the country have to diversify their farming techniques if they are to beat the effects of climate change, Deputy Programmes Manager for Blantyre Agriculture Development Division (Bladd) Umderanji Samuel Mbandambanda said on Friday.

Mbandambanda made the remarks in Mwanza during this year’s Bladd agriculture show. Apparently, many people in Mwanza did not yield enough for themselves following the serious dry spell the district experienced in the last growing season.

“Weather is changing. As such, it is important that farmers adjust to new methods of farming to beat the effects of climate change,” he said.

Mbandambanda explained that irrigation farming is one of the means through which Malawians can beat the impacts of climate change.

“We’ve all seen how rain-fed agriculture is letting us down. We need to venture into other avenues [irrigation farming] that will help us harvest even when the country experiences the worst dry spell,” the Bladd deputy boss stated.

On the agriculture show, Mbandambanda explained that Bladd organizes yearly shows to offer farmers a forum through which they can interact and exchange information on agriculture techniques.

Group Village Headman (GVH) Nthache said the show had come at the right time when people in his area need to learn others methods of farming that can help them produce enough for themselves amidst erratic rains.

“I’m very grateful to Bladd for the show; we’ve learnt so many things. We’ve learnt that time for rain-fed agriculture is gone because rains are becoming unreliable these days,” Nthache said.

“We’ve water in our streams and rivers, which, if utilized, can give us enough food,” added the GVH who represented his boss, Traditional Authority Nthache.

Member of Parliament for Mwanza West Paul Chibingu thanked the ADD for organizing the show in his area saying it will encourage farmers to work hard in their fields.

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