Authorities have expressed hope for improved agricultural productivity through irrigation using the newly completed climate smart Utale irrigation scheme in Machinga district.
The 210 hectors solar-powered irrigation scheme has been constructed with funding from the World Bank through the Malawi Resilient and Disaster Risk Management Project-MRDRMP.
Technical Team Member for the project-Francis Wadi has told MIJ FM that so far, all the works have been completed and the scheme is in use with 543 farmers currently cultivating part of the scheme.
“Farmers have planted various cash crops like legumes, maize, vegetables, and other crops in some part of the scheme but there is room for more farmers as the scheme can accommodate about 1500 farmers.” Said Wadi
Wadi disclosed that farmers participating in the scheme have been trained in the management of the scheme to ensure its sustainability as well as improve agricultural production.
According to Wadi, the scheme which has been constructed to the tune of K3.2 billion Kwacha will assist people surrounding the areas to achieve food security as they will be able to cultivate all year-round using irrigation.
The MRDRMP is a Malawi Government project under the Ministry of Water and Sanitation that is supporting efforts to address food insecurity by establishment and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes as well as supporting access to potable water for communities in drought-prone areas.