Government to Support Machinga Farmers with Farm Inputs

Senior chief Chamba has expressed concern that many people in Machinga are not  making good use of natural available resources in their communities.

The chief made the remarks  during a visit by Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo when he was inspecting the Lingoni Irrigation Scheme.

He said the area has good land, water sources and irrigation systems yet some residents still choose to burn charcoal instead of farming and this lack of effort is leading to both hunger and deforestation in the district.

However Mary Londola, chairperson for Lingoni Water Users Association, said most farmers are struggling because they can not afford to buy farm inputs like fertilizer and seeds which are more expensive nowadays.

In response to the concerns, Deputy Minister Chambo promised that the government will provide farmers with loans for farm inputs through NEEF and AGCOM and he promised that farmers will receive loans the following week.