Africa-Press – Malawi. There is untapped potentialMalawi should leverage on available land and water resources to optimise the agriculture sector’s contribution to the economy, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (Fao) has said.
The call was made during the Global Forum on the Future of Farmer Field Schools for Sustainable Agri-food Systems, which ended on Friday in Blantyre. Fao Deputy Director General Beth Bechdol said the country’s agriculture sector has untapped potential.
“We obviously have to pay attention to land and soil fertility. There are a lot of challenges and constraints including the recent devastation from Cyclone Freddy.
“But unique to this particular country is dedication, commitment and a strong will from farmers to expand, be more productive and make profit,” Bechdol said.
Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale said Malawi needs to move towards enhancing food production to fend for the growing population. He said the drive would ensure food security and help in addressing poverty in the country.
“We need to address how smallholder farmers can participate in lucrative global agriculture value chains.
“We need to address how agriculture can support agro-industries, job creation and commercialisation. And over and above everything, we need to address the effects of climate change on agriculture and emerging pests such as the Fall Army Worm,” Kawale said.
Malawi’s long-term development plan, the Malawi 2063, outlines agriculture productivity and commercialisation among key pillars for enhanced productivity, industrial processing and healthy and nutritious food that will lead to economic transformation, among others.
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