Deputy Minister of Agriculture Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has hailed farmer field schools for addressing critical challenges in the agriculture sector.

She expressed the sentiments on Saturday during the graduation of small-holder farmers and master trainers who completed a master trainer’s course.

The Department of Agriculture Extension Services and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) under Kulima programme organised the training at Lisasadzi in Kasungu.

Wirima (L) interacts with the farmers

Wirima said the master trainers and farmers learnt new agriculture technologies. She said they will go back to communities and train other farmers about the new technologies.

“Therefore, the new technologies will enhance productivity, thereby helping the country to achieve food security,” said Wirima.

FAO country representative Zhijun Chen said his organisation recognises government’s commitment to food systems transformation as a way of achieving food and nutrition security.

One of the farmers, John Kamende, said he learned about the use of botanicals in dealing with pests.

“Chemical pesticides are dangerous but the use of botanicals and biological means is safe and easy,” he said.

Kulima Programme for Capacity Building for small-holder farmers is in 10 districts of Karonga, Chitipa, Nkhata Bay, Mzimba, Kasungu, Salima, Nkhotakota, Chiradzulu, Thyolo and Mulanje and is funded by the European Union.

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