Small scale irrigation farmers in the area of Traditional Authority Makata in Blantyre have complained of lack of viable markets for their produce, a situation they say is making them susceptible to unscrupulous buyers who end up buying produce at cheap prices.
Speaking on Monday when Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Irrigation Minister George Chaponda toured Mlambe Irrigation Scheme in the area, one of the farmers Joseph Njobvu complained that their work is not rewarded fully because they are offered low prices by the buyers.
“The problem we face here is low prices. Buyers who come here to buy from us dictate prices. Due to limited buyers, we are left with no option than to give away our products at a low price,” he said.
One of the female famers at the scheme, Enelesi Mdala, described irrigation farming as a profitable venture whose return over profits can be maximised if potential buyers show up.
“I have benefited a lot from irrigation farming. I have built two houses. I have also managed to send my children to school. The prospects of doing well through irrigation farming are high if buyers can offer us good prices,” said Mdala.
Chaponda who was on tour of duty on agriculture and irrigation facilities in Blantyre Agriculture Development Division (ADD) advised the farmers to form cooperatives in order to explore big markets.
He, on the other hand, commended the farmers for taking part in irrigation farming that has the potential to feed the nation if implemented at a large scale.
“It is encouraging that the farmers here in TA Makata have embraced irrigation farming. They are able to support themselves financially. Let other people emulate this example,” said Chaponda.
Mlambe Irrigat ion scheme is on a 68 hectares piece of land and currently the small scale farmers in TA Makata utilise 20 hectares only.
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