NGO donates solar panels for irrigation

Mentors International, a local based organization through World Relief has donated eight solar panels to Namiladzi Irrigation Scheme in the area of Traditional Authority Mazengela, in Lilongwe district.

Speaking after presenting one of the solar panels, World Relief Director of Programmes and Quality Assurance, Charles Magombo said the solar panel equipment will enable the farmers in the area to grow different crops anytime without necessarily depending on rain fed water.

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Magombo said once the farmers have started using the irrigation equipment it will assist them to improve their livelihood since the farm will act as a source of their income and at the same time be able to have enough food at family level.

“Irrigation is a game charger more especially this time around when the whole world is experiencing effects of climate change. We cannot continue solely depending on rains for our agriculture hence this initiative,” he said

Lilongwe District Agriculture Extension Methodologies Officer, Webster Jasi thanked the NGOs for the donation which he said will go a long way in assisting farmers to have abundant food at household level and at the same time improve their health conditions.

However, Jasi urged the farmers to plant different crops such as maize, sweet potatoes, cassava so that when one crop fails to do well due to erratic rains, one may be cushioned by the other crop.

Jasi further advised the farmers to make use of organic manure so that they reduce cost on fertilizer and at the same time bring back fertility and moisture to the soil.

Chairperson for Namiladzi Irrigation scheme Charles Kaliyasi said he is optimistic that the solar equipment will enable them to take agriculture as business and transform their livelihood.

Kaliyasi assured the NGOs that they will take care of the equipment and use them for the intended purpose.

Namiladzi Irrigation Scheme which was established in 2019 through Thandizo Orphan Care currently has forty-four members.