Transforming Agriculture Diversification and Entrepreneurship (Trade) Programme in collaboration with Farm Concern International is facilitating access to markets for smallholder farmers in Lilongwe District.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Trade agri-business value chain specialist Linda Munthali said the partnership will motivate farmers to produce more.

“For a long time, smallholder farmers have been complaining about the lack of markets for their produce. Now the project is supporting them to choose the best markets for their farm produce,” she said.

Munthali also said the project is promoting agricultural productivity, commercialisation as well as building climate resilience among smallholder farmers.

Munthali speaks during a meeting with farmers in Lilongwe

“The agriculture commercialisation project which is being supported by Opec will transform the lives of smallholders as well as empower them to make price decisions on their own,” she said.

Lilongwe district director of agriculture, environment and natural resources Hasting Yotamu encouraged farmers to venture into commercial farming to improve their livelihoods.

“We have dwelt much on subsistence farming. Now we want to go commercial and empower smallholder farmers to make profits from their farming,” he said.

Yotamu commended Lilongwe District Council for creating a conducive environment for business.

One of the beneficiaries, Edson Chingwaru, thanked Trade programme for linking them to markets.

“We will be able to sell our produce at profitable prices. Previously, some unscrupulous traders used to buy our produce such as sunflower and soya beans at a song,” he said.

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