By Chimwemwe Mangazi:
Some farmers in Lilongwe District have spoken highly of a new solar pump irrigation technology called Maji.
The irrigation pump was introduced to the country early this year by Agriculture Trading Company (ATC) in partnership with a United States-based technology firm, Ego-Tech Company.
It is aimed at enhancing crop production among small-scale farmers and elevating them into full commercial farmers.
Chairperson of Namfunga irrigation scheme, Bonnex Mphande, who has been using the technology since it was introduced, said the pump does not require much energy to operate.
“Previously, we were using treadle pumps and diesel powered pumps which were costly but the new pump is cost effective as it is run using solar energy,” Mphande said.
ATC General Manager, Madalitso Jelenje, said sales for the equipment have been increasing in the past months.
“We are overwhelmed by the farmers’ uptake of this innovation and it has proven effective in irrigation farming in the country,” Jelenje said.
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