President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says the Private Sector Mega Farms Programme plays a very crucial role in revamping Malawi's agricultural sector.
He made these remarks during the official opening of the Mega Farms initiative for the private sector at the Mega Farms Support Unit in Kanengo, Lilongwe.
In his address, President Chakwera said induction of the Private Sector Mega Farms Programme will significantly contribute to the country's economic growth by 2063.
Chakwera also emphasized the necessity of supporting subsistence farmers in transitioning to agricultural mechanization to enhance crop productivity.
He additionally pledged to officially launch a Mega Farm in Nkhatabay, followed by another one in Chikwawa.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Trade, Simplex Chithyola Banda who represented the Minister of Agriculture, said the private sector provides numerous opportunities in the agricultural sector through investments and job creation.
Chithyola said the two ministries share a symbiotic relationship and will continue to work hand in hand to improve the social- economic indicators for Malawians. He further commended President Chakwera for his commitment towards the mega farms initiative, calling it a success.
The controller of Agriculture Extension and Technical Services on Private Sector Mega Farms Programme implementation strategy in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Alfred Mwenefumbo said the Ministry is working hard in order to improve and maximise crop production by 2025 through mega farms.
Mwenefumbo noted that the private sector Mega Farm programme has given a platform for various private stakeholders to take part in transformative partnerships. He said Mahindra, an Indian company, has expressed interest in supporting government with 50 tractors to help in the implementation of the mega farms programme with an additional 100 tractors to follow next year.
President Chakwera, during his 50th Parliamentary State of the Nation Address (SONA), reaffirmed his commitment to revolutionize the agricultural sector through mega farms. The launch of the private sector mega farms initiative is expected to strengthen Malawi's food production and address longstanding challenges within the agricultural sector.