In the epoch of the United Democratic Front (UDF), the agricultural sector languished in neglect, a trend only marginally reversed during the tenure of Bingu Wa Mutharika, and subsequently plummeted during the administration of Peter Mutharika, whose apparent lack of recognition for agriculture’s pivotal role as the economic backbone of this country was starkly evident.
Contrastingly, under the leadership of President Chakwera in Malawi, agriculture has undergone a renaissance, witnessing the proliferation of farm cooperatives and mega farm ventures across the country.
Within the realm of farm cooperatives, the Transforming Agriculture Through Diversification Agriculture (TRADE) initiative has allocated a commendable sum of K170 million to two farmer cooperatives situated in Lilongwe District. Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, elucidated that these grants are strategically designed to fortify agricultural enterprises in rural enclaves, underscoring the government’s unwavering dedication to this sector.
Sendeza further emphasized the Chakwera Administration’s overarching goal of augmenting agricultural productivity throughout the nation. The fortunate beneficiaries of this initiative are the Nzati Women Producers and Naphiri Producers and Marketing Cooperatives. Their strategic allocation of funds is earmarked for investments in a solar-powered groundnut dryer, a groundnut sheller, and a tractor equipped with essential accessories.
This financial injection emanates from a matching grant facilitated by the TRADE program under the auspices of the Agricultural Commercialisation Innovations Fund (ACIF), with a notable 10 percent contribution from the recipient cooperatives.
