National

Farmers Satisfied with Outcomes of NEEF Irrigation Loans

Farmers in Nkhotakota are celebrating the success of winter irrigation loans provided by the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), saying the support has boosted food production and income prospects. Young farmer Richard Billy praised the initiative, while local agriculture officials noted improved food security through effective use of farm inputs. NEEF CEO Humphrey Mdyetseni expressed confidence that the program is meeting its goal of empowering farmers and strengthening national food security.

Published

2 months ago

August 19, 2025

Beauty Ziba

Farmers in Nkhotakota have expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the irrigation and farm inputs loans for winter season they received from National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).

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A beneficiary, 21 years old Richard Billy, under Natiyi irrigation Scheme from Chitsulo Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Mwadzama in the district, expressed gratitude to President Lazarus Chakwera for coming to the farmer’s rescue through the NEEF loan.

“I am very grateful to have received maize seeds, 2 bags of fertilizer and beans for the irrigation farming, which I believe will help me generate income to support me and my family,” said Billy.

Mdyetseni (L) impressed with the outcome Pic. By Beauty Ziba _ Mana

Agriculture Extension District Officer (AEDO), for Zidyana EPA, John Mangani, also appreciated the government for the initiative, saying through Irrigation system, farmers will have high chances to improve food security in the country.

“It has been a challenge as we were experiencing maize deficiency, especially in our area where farmers failed to harvest anything, and we believe that all these food crops that we have grown will fill the gap and supplement the required deficiency that the district and country had,” said Mangani.

NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni, expressed satisfaction with how farmers have utilised their farm inputs by cultivating under winter cropping as planned.

Mangani: Our area experienced no harvest, Pic. By Beauty Ziba _ Mana

“We hope that we are going to achieve the goal and purpose of the programme, which is to increase food security in the country and also to secure income for the farmers that are participating in the programme,” said Mdyetseni.

NEEF Officials Visited Pharaoh Irrigation Scheme, Natiyi Irrigation Scheme, and Kabyaza Irrigation Scheme in order to appreciate the outcome of the farm inputs the farmers got for winter cropping.