AGRIFOCUS, CROP AND MARKET

 By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Police in Kasungu arrest two senior officials of Mgumila Lusa Cooperative for allegedly selling a government-donated tractor valued at MK69 million without approval.                           Recovered Tractor The suspects, Madalitso Chunga , who serves as chairperson, and Godfrey Njokwe, the treasurer, reportedly dispose of the tractor without informing cooperative members or seeking permission from relevant authorities. Kasungu Police Public Relations Officer Joseph Kachikho says the tractor develops mechanical problems and the cooperative takes it for repairs. However, investigations show that the two officials allegedly arrange a secret sale while the machine is at the workshop. Cooperative members raise alarm after they discover that the tractor is no longer available. The matter is reported to police, who launch investigations and later recover the tractor in Lilongwe through...

 By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Law enforcement authorities in Ntcheu have stepped up efforts to address the cultivation of illegal crops, destroying approximately 500 cannabis plants in Njolomole Village under Traditional Authority Njolomole .                           Uprooted cannabis The development comes just days after a similar operation in Wanyemba Village under Traditional Authority Kwataine, where another cannabis field was uprooted. Police describe the operations as part of ongoing efforts to promote responsible agricultural practices and safeguard the integrity of the farming sector. Ntcheu Police spokesperson Inspector Jacob Khembo said the latest action followed information provided by members of the community. He confirmed that three individuals suspected of cultivating the crop are currently on the run. The incident has, however, triggered fresh debate among some farmers and community members. A ...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi More than 2,000 farming households affected by drought and flooding are set to benefit from a fertilizer donation from Morocco, in a move expected to strengthen crop production and improve food security in vulnerable communities across Malawi. Roza Mbilizi receives the donation The first consignment, amounting to 500 metric tonnes, was officially received on Tuesday by Minister of Agriculture Roza Fatch Mbilizi . The total donation stands at 1,000 metric tonnes and is aimed at helping smallholder farmers recover from the impact of erratic weather conditions that have disrupted the current farming season. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mbilizi emphasized the importance of timely access to farm inputs, noting that fertilizer support will play a crucial role in restoring productivity in areas hardest hit by dry spells and floods. She assured the public that distribution mechanisms will prioritize deserving households to ensure transparency and m...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi The number of farmers growing cotton in Malawi has fallen significantly this season, raising concern among industry stakeholders about the future of the crop. Farmer are peaking Cotton products Figures released by the Cotton Farmers Association of Malawi show that grower registration has dropped from 23,343 last year to 12,700 this season  a decline of nearly 50 percent. According to the association’s president, Lapson Zidana , many farmers were discouraged by delays in receiving payment for their cotton after sales. Some growers reportedly experienced challenges accessing their money through mobile payment systems, making it difficult for them to prepare for the next farming cycle. In addition to payment delays, the cost of seed has increased sharply. This season, locally recycled cotton seed has been selling at between K18,000 and K20,000 per kilogram, while hybrid seed has ranged from K60,000 to K80,000 per kilogram. For smallholder farmers a...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Sugarcane farmers in Nkhotakota District are pressing the government to urgently intervene in price negotiations with major sugar processing companies, warning that the current buying rates are no longer sustainable. Sugarcane field The affected farmers, from areas of Nkhunga, Nkhono, Mphonde, Liwaradzi and Matiki Dwangwa say sugarcane is the backbone of their local economy. For many families, it is the main source of income, covering school fees, food, medical expenses and daily household needs. But growers now fear that the crop they depend on is failing to provide a reasonable return. According to Mr Yatib Kondowe one of the the farmers, production costs have risen sharply in recent seasons. Prices for fertilizer, labour, land preparation, irrigation and transport have all increased, squeezing already thin profit margins. Despite these rising expenses, they say the prices offered for cane have remained low. The farmers are therefore calling on auth...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Mr Foster Kandodo, a secondary school teacher based in Kameza Township in Blantyre , believes that growing crops is possible even for people who do not have access to large pieces of land. According to him, both rural and urban households can successfully grow various crops using simple containers such as sacks, buckets and other locally available materials filled with fertile soil  even placing them on paved surfaces or rocks. Irish potato growing buckets Kandodo explains that many people think farming is only for those who own gardens or fields. However, he says this mindset limits families, especially those living in towns where land is scarce. “You do not need a big garden to grow food,” he says. “What you need is good soil, proper care and commitment.” He encourages households in high density areas like Kameza to adopt container farming as a practical solution to rising food prices and limited space. Crops such as tomatoes, leafy vegetables, ...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Heavy rains have destroyed crops belonging to smallholder farmers in several villages under Traditional Authorities Chilooko and Malenga in Ntchisi District .                        Heavy rainfall The affected villages include Kazonga, Mthirasembe, Malomo, Buzi, M’bobo, Kansegwa and Ng’ombe . Farmers say the persistent downpours have washed away fields of maize, groundnuts, beans and other food crops, leaving many households uncertain about their food security in the coming months. Mrs Jean Chikaphonya a farmer from Mthirasembe, explained that the rains started as normal seasonal showers but later intensified, causing flooding and waterlogging in low lying areas. In some fields, crops were completely submerged, while in others the strong runoff swept away topsoil along with young plants. “We had high hopes for this season,” said Mrs Chikaphonya. “But the heavy rains have destroyed almost every...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Smallholder farmers in Kapiri, under Traditional Authority Dambe in Mchinji District are turning to banana farming as a reliable source of income.                      Banana field (video) Community leader of Kapiri Mr. Mavuto Mwale explains that farmers chose to focus on bananas due to rising market demand and attractive prices offered by supermarkets and traders in Lilongwe . “Bananas are a high demand crop,” he says. “With proper care, even small plots can generate significant profits for farmers, just imagine, in Tanzania, Zambia, Milanje in Mozambique, our friends get more profits with Banana . Bananas require relatively low investment and can be harvested multiple times throughout the year, providing farmers with a consistent cash flow. Beyond selling fresh fruit, value added products such as banana chips, juice and dried bananas are creating new market opportunities and boosting household ...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Chilli production is gaining momentum in Chia area under Traditional Authority Mlumbe in Zomba District, where smallholder farmers are reporting strong financial returns from the high value crop                            Chilli garden Farmers in the area say chilli farming has become a reliable source of income compared to other  traditional crop productions, which are often affected by price fluctuations and weather uncertainty. According to Mr Patrick Saba one of their chilli growers , one acre of chilli can produce between 800 kilograms to 1.5 tonnes of dried chillies, depending on management practices. With market prices ranging from K3,500 to K6,000 per kilogramme for dried chillies, farmers are generating significant seasonal income. The crop requires relatively small land sizes and can be harvested multiple times, providing steady cash flow. Buyers from within and outs...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Farmers  at the Ang’ona Irrigation Scheme in Monkey Bay have expressed concern over delays in completing rehabilitation works at the scheme, saying the situation is affecting rice production and their income prospects.                   Construction of scheme The project, funded by Life AR at a cost of K129 million , was expected to be completed within 120 days from August last year. However, farmers say the contractor stopped working in January before installing critical components such as the water pump, solar panels and the full wire fence meant to protect rice fields from hippos.                              Irrigation Scheme Chairperson Mary Kaya said farmers are worried because the irrigation system is not fully operational. She explained that the contractor recently delivered only 30 metres of wire fencing instead of the 4...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Malawi’s economic future may well depend on how quickly smallholder farmers are supported with modern farming equipment. Agricultural experts say the country can achieve meaningful growth if small-scale farmers gain access to tractors and other mechanised tools.             Cultivating land using a tractor Across many rural communities , farmers still rely on hand hoes to prepare their land. This method is slow, physically demanding and limits how much land can be cultivated in a season. As a result, production remains low and many households struggle to move beyond subsistence farming. With access to tractors , farmers can prepare larger fields in a shorter time. This allows them to plant at the right time, especially when the rains begin. Timely planting often leads to better yields, improved food security and increased household income. Beyond boosting production, tractors also reduce the physical strain farmers endure. ...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Reliable sources report that contract farming with Alliance One Tobacco Company is helping smallholder farmers in Kasungu improve production, income, and food security.                         Tobacco Planting Chilipiro Kalumpha , a farmer from Thumbo Village, has been working with Alliance One for 18 years. According to reports, the partnership has allowed him to expand his farming operations, diversify crops, and increase household income. During a recent media visit, it was observed that Alliance One provides Kalumpha with farm inputs for tobacco , maize and groundnuts, enabling him to boost yields and reduce dependence on seasonal market fluctuations. Earnings from the contract farming arrangement have also allowed Kalumpha to invest in housing, transport and livestock farming, strengthening his household’s economic stability. Fran Malila , Corporate Affairs Manager at Alliance One, said t...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Malawi is steadily addressing its maize shortfall, with 51,000 metric tons of the staple grain already transported from Zambia on Tuesday, according to Arthur Mpakeni, Senior Marketing and Cooperative Officer at the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA).                    Trucks carrying maize Mpakeni noted that additional shipments are expected to arrive before the end of March, with more than 15 trucks already at the border and several others en route. The import drive is part of a broader initiative to provide relief to more than 4 million Malawians experiencing food insecurity during the lean season, which typically lasts until the harvest period begins. Officials say the effort aims to ensure that households have sufficient food supplies and to stabilize maize availability across the country.

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Officials from the Centre for Agricultural Transformation engage farmers in village headman Santhe, Group Village Headman T/A Mavwele, Mchinji , encouraging oilseed production for local cooking oil processing than tobacco farming.          A farmer discusses importance of soya                                        farming Farmers in Santhe under Traditional Authority Mavwele in Mchinji District have been encouraged to intensify the cultivation of soya beans and sunflower instead of tobacco as a pathway to local cooking oil production and increased household income. During a field engagement, the Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) said Malawi has strong potential to reduce reliance on imported cooking oil if communities focus on oilseed crops and value addition. Santhe is among areas where both crops perform well. CAT e...

By Luke Magombo  Blantyre, Malawi Food security dominated President Peter Mutharika’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) , underscoring both the political urgency of hunger and the economic reality of a country where more than 80 percent of citizens depend on rain fed agriculture for survival.        SONA Presentation by H.E Mutharika In  a speech heavily focused on agriculture and rural livelihoods, the President credited deliberate government intervention for the recent decline in maize prices. He noted that the cost of a 50-kilogram bag of maize had dropped from around K100,000 to between K38,000 and K55,000  a shift he described as the direct result of targeted state action rather than market coincidence. According to Mutharika,  the government intensified maize imports, replenished ADMARC depots nationwide, and distributed free maize to vulnerable households during the lean season. He revealed that more than one million families benefited ...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Farmers cultivating groundnuts and soya in Kazonga Village under Traditional Authority Malenga in Ntchisi District have suspended the use of herbicides in their fields, citing concerns over adverse effects reportedly experienced by some members of the community.                   A farmer rejects Herbicides What was once viewed as a convenient and time saving solution to weed control has, in recent months, become a source of anxiety among local growers. Several farmers say they began to notice irregular crop performance after applying chemical weed killers, prompting widespread reconsideration of the practice. According to accounts from the area, some fields that had been treated with herbicides recorded lower yields compared to those managed through traditional methods. Others raised concerns about the possible long-term impact of repeated chemical use on soil health and overall farm productivity. “We turned...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi  The National Food Reserve Agency ( NFRA) has revised the price at which it will buy maize from local farmers, lowering it from K55,000 to K42,000 per 50-kilogram bag. The adjustment comes as the agency prepares to restart maize purchases across the country from Tuesday 10th February, 2026.                          NFRA Head office In a statement issued on 9 February 2026, NFRA explained that the change followed a review of the current maize market. The agency said the new price reflects prevailing trading conditions and available supplies, adding that the move is intended to keep the buying programme viable. NFRA had reopened maize purchases in December last year, offering K55,000 per 50kg bag, a decision that brought relief to many farmers. However, the programme was later put on hold after the agency ran into funding challenges, forcing a temporary suspension of the exercise. ...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Food assistance programmes supported by Plan Malawi have helped reduce hunger among vulnerable households across the country, the organisation has said.                           Food distribution The support is being provided through ongoing food distribution activities targeting families most affected by food shortages. According to Plan Malawi, the programme is aimed at helping households cope during periods when food is scarce, especially in communities where crops were damaged or harvests failed. Plan Malawi officials say that while the exercise has faced challenges, including pressure on beneficiary families to share food, the programme has still reached tens of thousands of households nationwide since November last year. One beneficiary from a rural community said the situation was extremely difficult before the assistance arrived, as many families had run out of food. He explained...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi  A Businessman Napolion Dzombe has urged Malawians to embrace unity and collective effort as a way of driving development at community and national level.        Dzombe explains important of unity Dzombe says progress is difficult to achieve when people work in isolation, noting that cooperation allows communities to increase production and earn better returns from their efforts. He explains that much of his work focuses on bringing people together and helping them understand how they can benefit more from farming when they work as a group. Originally from Dowa District, Dzombe has been involved in a number of agriculture-based initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods. Some years ago, he set up a rice milling factory at Mpamantha in Nkhotakota District, a move that has helped farmers find a ready market while adding value to their rice. In addition to processing, Dzombe has also supported rice farmers from Dowa and Kasungu dis...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Maize farmers across Malawi are facing a tough season as pests, disease, and extreme weather take a toll on crops that once showed great promise. Early in the season, many fields were healthy and green, raising hopes for a good harvest. But those hopes have since faded A farmer frustrated with the pests Agricultural expert Ronald Chilumpha says maize is now one of the most threatened crops in the country, largely due to fall armyworms , crop diseases, dry spells, and heavy rains. He has called on the government to promote crop insurance to help farmers recover when such challenges occur. Another specialist, Dr. Kingdom Kwapata, advises affected farmers to plant early-maturing and drought-tolerant varieties and urges authorities to quickly identify the hardest-hit areas so that support can reach farmers in time. In Balaka District, farmer Rendance Kavalo says pests and drought have badly damaged his maize, leaving him uncertain about the harvest. Many f...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Guinea fowl farming is becoming an important source of income and nutrition for rural communities in Gwilemchira , under Traditional Authority Nthache in Mwanza District. The birds, locally known as nkhanga are hardy, easy to manage, and well-suited to local environmental conditions.                       guineafowl farming Guinea fowls are valued for both egg and meat production. Their eggs are rich in protein and highly demanded in local markets, while the meat is lean, nutritious, and often sells at a higher price than ordinary chicken. This creates reliable income opportunities for households. With proper management such as simple housing, supplementary feeding, and protection from predators farmers can improve productivity. Community cooperation, training, and support from agricultural extension services can further strengthen the sector. Overall, guinea fowl farming offers a practical way to ...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi In many parts of Malawi , pig farming is quietly changing lives whereby people depend on it in various economic challenges. What often begins with just one or two pigs has become a reliable source of income for many farming families.                              pig feeding For years, most households depended only on crop farming. When harvests failed, income lost too. Pig farming offered a new option. Pigs grow fast, reproduce quickly and can be raised at low cost using simple shelters and locally available feed like Madeya, Khovani. Within a few months, farmers are able to sell pigs and earn money. The growing demand for pork in towns like Kamba, Kachere, Bwandilo, Mkanda markets  and other  trading centres, has made pig farming even more valuable. Farmers now have ready markets, and the business has created jobs in transport, meat selling, and processing. Income...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Pigeon farmers of  Makunje village  under Senior Kunthembwe in  Blantyre district, say  pigeon  farming can be profitable if pigeons are kept in shelters and fed locally. This reduces losses from predators, improves bird health, and increases income through better feeding and controlled management.                          Pigeons in a cage  The farmers explain that one of the key factors for success is keeping pigeons in well built shelters. Simple structures made from locally available materials such as timber, iron sheets, and wire mesh help protect the birds from predators like cats, dogs, and birds of prey. Proper housing also shields pigeons from heavy rains, strong winds, and extreme heat, reducing stress and the risk of disease. Clean, dry shelters promote better hygiene and improve the overall health of the flock. Feeding is another important aspect. ...

 By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Mulching is an important farming practice that involves covering the soil surface with materials such as dry grass, crop residues, leaves, or plastic sheets. Although it is simple to apply, mulching plays a major role in improving crop growth, protecting soil health and increasing farm productivity. Many agricultural experts encourage farmers to adopt mulching because of its long-term benefits for both crops and the environment.               A farmer practices mulching One of the main advantages of mulching is soil moisture conservation. Mulch reduces the rate of water evaporation from the soil, helping crops retain moisture for longer periods. This is especially beneficial during dry seasons, as it helps plants survive and maintain steady growth even when rainfall is low. Mulching also helps in natural weed control. By covering the soil, mulch blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, preventing them from ge...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Agricultural experts are encouraging maize farmers to adopt modern fertilizer application methods to improve yields, reduce waste and increase profits. As farming technology continues to evolve, traditional broadcasting methods are gradually being replaced by more precise and efficient techniques that ensure crops receive the right nutrients at the right time                    Fertilizer Application One of the most recommended modern methods is band placement. This technique involves placing fertilizer in small bands close to the maize seed or plant roots rather than spreading it across the entire field. By applying fertilizer near the root zone, plants absorb nutrients more efficiently, which promotes strong growth and reduces nutrient loss through runoff or evaporation. Farmers who use band placement often notice improved crop uniformity and stronger maize plants. Another effective method is micro-dos...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi As recurring droughts continue to disrupt crop production across Malawi, goat farming is increasingly being viewed as a dependable alternative for strengthening rural livelihoods and stabilizing household incomes. With rainfall becoming more erratic and maize yields declining in many areas, farmers are turning to small livestock that can withstand harsh climatic conditions               goat farming in droughts areas Goats are well adapted to hot and dry environments and are able to survive on limited feed resources, making them suitable for districts frequently affected by drought. In the Southern Region, areas such as Chikwawa, Nsanje , Balaka and parts of Mangochi have shown strong potential for goat production, as goats thrive where crop farming has become increasingly risky. Similar conditions in Salima and Nkhotakota in the Central Region, as well as Karonga in the Northern Region, have also supported steady...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Maize production in Malawi remains increasingly exposed to drought as erratic rainfall continues to disrupt the agricultural calendar, raising concerns over both crop performance and market stability. With maize forming the backbone of household food consumption, its ability to withstand dry conditions has become a key issue for farmers, traders, and policymakers alike                  Drought  attacks maize field The survival of maize under drought conditions largely depends on the timing and duration of moisture stress. In the early stages after planting, inadequate rainfall can delay germination and weaken crop establishment, reducing plant populations and limiting yield potential. However, the most critical losses tend to occur during flowering, when moisture stress interferes with pollination and significantly reduces kernel formation. Even when rains resume later in the season, yield losses caused...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Hunger concerns are growing in Malawi following projections of a prolonged dry spell expected to affect several farming areas, raising alarm over crop performance and food availability.              A farmer frustrated with dry spell Weather outlooks indicate that t ishe dry spell may mainly affect parts of the Southern Region, including Lower Shire districts such as Chikwawa and Nsanje , as well as Balaka, Machinga, Mangochi, Zomba, Phalombe, and parts of Mulanje. Some areas in the Central Region, including Ntcheu, Dedza, Salima, and parts of Kasungu, are also likely to experience reduced rainfall. Agriculture experts warn that the lack of consistent rains could weaken maize and other staple crops, particularly in rain-fed farming zones. Many smallholder farmers planted early, but continued moisture stress could reduce yields if the dry conditions persist. Reports from the fields already point to wilting crops in some...