Minister hails cooperative farmers

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, has emphasised government’s commitment to support agriculture cooperatives in mobilising resources through partnerships and collaborations to implement the mega farm strategy.

He made the remarks, Thursday during a business breakfast organised by the Commercial Farmers Cooperative Society (COFACO) at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe.

He highlighted that government will continue to assist cooperatives in finding markets both locally and internationally by leveraging international trade agreements, such as those in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Continental Free Trade Area, and the World Trade Organisation.

In addition, the minister urged cooperative farmers to increase the value of their products to create stronger international markets and improve the country’s productivity.

“By producing products with value addition, cooperative farmers can create robust international markets and enhance the country’s productivity through increased exports.

It is clear that the government is committed in supporting agriculture cooperatives, and this is a great opportunity for farmers to take advantage of the available resources and partnerships to achieve success in their businesses,” he said.

Gwengwe also commended COFACO for using innovative approaches and scientific research, combined with traditional knowledge, to increase the productivity of their fields, diversify crops, boost their nutrition, and build climate resilience.

He indicated that estimates suggest that the global food demand will increase by 70% by 2050, and this will need a robust investment in the agri-focused private sector.

Speaking earlier, Controller of Agriculture Extension and Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Alfred Mwenifumbo, emphasized the the importance of the meeting to large-scale farmers saying farmers are getting interested to engage and hear more from prospective donors and financiers about mega farms.

In her remarks chairperson for COFACO, Hellen Chabunya said the organisation will continue working with government to improve and create sustainable agriculture systems and increased productivity.