NEEF launches micro-irrigation program to boost productivity

By Victoria Yande

The National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has launched its micro-irrigation loan program in Mzimba, Traditional Authority M'mbelwa aimed at empowering local farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Farmers receiving fertilizer for winter cropping

This initiative is expected to provide farmers with access to affordable irrigation solutions, enabling them to cultivate crops throughout the year and improve their livelihoods.

Chief executive officer for NEEF, Humphrey Mdyeyseni, said NEEF is commitment to supporting rural development and promoting economic growth in the region and make a positive impact on the lives of farmers.

"By providing micro-irrigation loans, NEEF aims to help farmers overcome challenges related to climate variability and improve their crop yields,"said Mdyetseni.

Chairperson for the Mchirapundu cooperative society, Gray Kasalu, said 60 farmers have benefited from NEEF's micro-irrigation farming systems, receiving farm items including 30 bags of fertilizer, chemicals, seeds and solar water pump worth to 24 million

"The cooperative, which started in 2019 with 60 members, 31 women,29 men and 10 youths, plans to farm 30 acres with maize using the NEEF loan and he further emphasized that this initiative will significantly improve farming productivity and benefit the families of the farmers,"said Kasalu."

Village Headman Guduza Botha expressed satisfaction with the program, stating that it will help reduce hunger crisis in the families of the beneficiary farmers.

"This initiative will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of our people," he said.

Director of Agriculture for M'mbelwa District Council, Owen Kumwenda, encouraged farmers to work diligently with the farming materials provided to maintain irrigation farming and ensure food security in the country.

"It's crucial for farmers to utilize these resources effectively to maximize their yields and contribute to the nation's food security," said Kumwenda.