NASFAM in Mchinji District Holds Annual General Meeting
The meeting aimed to review the last growing season, assess the performance of different clubs, and plan for the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons.
MCHINJI, Malawi — The National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (NASFAM) in Mchinji district conducted its annual general meeting on Wednesday at Mkanda, writes Moses Chilumpha.
The meeting aimed to review the last growing season, assess the performance of different clubs, and plan for the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons.
Outstanding performers in the previous season, including Marketing Aggregation Centers (MAC) such as Kalanga, Matizi, and Gumba, were recognized and awarded hoes and soap.
Marcy Kalikokha, a representative for the winning clubs, expressed happiness on behalf of her fellow farmers.
"We never anticipated this from NASFAM. We are really motivated," she said.
Catherine Kakwera, the Association Business Manager for Mchinji district, encouraged farmers to diversify their farming practices, especially considering the challenges posed by climate change.
"Farmers should think of making manure to improve soils for better yields rather than just relying on expensive fertilizers. Additionally, farmers need to diversify by growing other crops such as groundnuts, soya, and sweet potatoes," she emphasized.
Kakwera also revealed plans to venture into making by-products from soya, citing discussions with a prospective buyer.
"This year, going forward, we will start making by-products from soya and groundnuts as part of growing the association, and we are discussing with a buyer," she added.
Mr. Jere, NASFAM Board Chair, reminded farmers of the association's objectives, focusing on promoting smallholder farmers, ensuring their self-reliance, and finding markets for their crops.
He also emphasized the importance of repaying loans for the sustainability of the association.
"For an organization like ours to survive, farmers should make sure the loans they get are paid back to move the association forward and attract more groups, thus improving the well-being of the members," he added.
The meeting, attended by stakeholders from Premium Tobacco Malawi, New Building Society, Ministry of Agriculture, Pixus, and Chiefs, disclosed that Mkanda NASFAM made a profit of about K2 million.