Balaka District Council urges farmers to adopt research-backed innovations
By Jenipher Changwanda
Balaka District Council has urged farming households in the district to embrace research-approved technologies, diversify crop production, and adopt market-oriented farming practices to improve their livelihoods.
Director of Agriculture Services (DAS) in Balaka, David Alli, made the remarks during an agricultural field day held at Kainga Village in Sub Traditional Authority Kapalamula in the district under the Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme (SAPP II).
Gloria Ghambi, an agricultural expert explaining about the importance of using improved seed when planting (Photo Credit: Jenipher Changwanda)
Speaking under the theme Promoting diversified, nutrition-sensitive and market-oriented agriculture for resilience and sustainable livelihoods, Alli challenged farmers to move away from poor farming methods and adopt good agricultural practices showcased during the event.
“I am encouraging you to adopt technologies being promoted by the Ministry through the SAPP project because these have been tested and approved through research. All the innovations demonstrated here are key to improving productivity and building resilience,” Alli said.
Alli added that since the inception of SAPP II in 2024, the district has recorded notable progress, including increased crop diversification, improved household nutrition, and strengthened farmer organizations geared towards market-oriented production.
Judith Chikoti, an agricultural expert explaining feed production (Photo Credit: Jenipher Changwanda)
“We are seeing more farmers diversifying their crops, improving household nutrition through integrated farming, and organizing themselves into groups that can produce and market according to demand,” he said.
On her part, Desk Officer for SAPP II at the Department of Agricultural Research Services, Dr. Modester Millinyu, said among others, the programme is prioritizing farmer-centered research to enhance ownership and adoption of agricultural innovations.
“We are promoting farmer-centered research by taking innovations directly to the villages through mega demonstrations, allowing farmers to test and observe results for themselves. This approach builds confidence and encourages adoption based on proven results,” Millinyu said.
She added that farmers are actively championing the initiative under the guidance of the Ministry, making the programme more sustainable and impactful.
Events at one of the demonstration plots showcasing various improved farming techniques under SAPP II (Photo Credit: Jenipher Changwanda)
During the field day, SAPP II mounted a mega demonstration that exposed farmers to various agricultural innovations for soil improvement, crop production and diversification, and sustainable feed production.
One of the participating farmers, Jinny Kaligo, said the demonstration has helped her adopt improved farming practices through hands-on learning. “Everything I have learnt at the mega demonstration, I now practice on my farmland. This year, I have had a good harvest despite the prolonged dry spell because I adopted water harvesting techniques and diversified my crops,” she said.
