by Felix Malamula
Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Sam Dalitso Kawale says the country needs more investments in irrigation farming to eradicate the challenge of food shortage and achieve resilience of rural communities against the adverse effects of climate change.
Speaking when he officially launched construction works of Dowa-Dambo irrigation scheme in Dowa district, Honourable Kawale said, with irrigation farming, farmers are always assured of harvesting volumes of yields they plan to.
“Irrigation farming will lead to increased output because our farmers will grow and realise the volumes they want to achieve. Increased production will help the country achieve its 2063 aspirations,” said Honourable Kawale.
He then advised the communities around the scheme to fully utilise the scheme once construction is completed, adding that government has invested a lot of money to bring the scheme.
Dowa-Dambo irrigation scheme in Dowa will be the ninth scheme that the Ministry of Agriculture is constructing under the Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE). The scheme, which has 453 hectares, will be constructed by Foundation for Irrigation and Sustainable Development (FISD) and a joint venture of SAWA Group and SICO companies. PRIDE has already completed construction of Mafinga and Marko irrigation schemes in Chitipa, Matoponi and Mlooka irrigation schemes in Zomba, Lingoni in Machinga and Wowo in Phalombe. Mzenga and Chipofya irrigation schemes in Nkhata Bay and Rumphi respectively are currently being constructed.
PRIDE is funded by the Government of Malawi and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Malawi Country Director for IFAD, Ms. Bernadette Mukonyora reiterated her organisation’s commitment to supporting Malawi with resources that will assist in achieving her development aspirations.
“We are committed to funding this project to assist government in promoting food security and enhancing food production,” said Ms. Mukonyora.
Speaking earlier, Senior Chief Chakhaza under whose area the scheme is found, welcomed the development and pledged the support of his subjects in ensuring timely completion of the construction works.