By Twink Jones Gadama
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) in collaboration with its partners, has taken a significant step towards empowering smallholder farmers in Lilongwe through a Farmer Field Day event.
The event, held under the theme ‘Smallholder Farmers Crop Diversification Key for Mitigating Climate Change Shocks’, showcased improved agricultural technologies and innovations that can help farmers adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
Supported by the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, the Farmer Field Day was a platform for farmers to learn about new farming techniques, crop varieties, and technologies that can enhance their productivity and resilience to climate change.
The event took place at the CAT Natural Resources College smart farm in Lilongwe, where smallholder farmers had the opportunity to see firsthand the benefits of incorporating modern agricultural practices into their farming activities.
Macleod Nkhoma, the Executive Director of CAT, highlighted the importance of crop diversification in ensuring food security and sustainability for smallholder farmers.
“Crop diversification is essential for smallholder farmers to cope with the changing climate patterns and ensure stable food production,” Nkhoma explained.
“By introducing new crop varieties and innovative farming techniques, we can help farmers improve their yields, reduce losses, and adapt to the challenges of climate change.”
Dr. Alfred Mwenifumbo, the Guest of Honour and Controller of Agriculture Extension and Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, commended CAT and its partners for their efforts in promoting agricultural innovation among smallholder farmers.
“Events like the Farmer Field Day play a crucial role in showcasing the latest agricultural technologies and practices to farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions about their farming activities,” Dr. Mwenifumbo stated.
“It is vital that we continue to support smallholder farmers in adopting new technologies that can help them increase their productivity and resilience to climate change.”
The farmer field day featured interactive sessions, demonstrations, and practical training on various topics such as conservation agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, integrated pest management, and crop diversification.
Farmers were able to interact with agricultural experts, extension officers, and input suppliers to gain valuable insights and advice on improving their farming practices.
One of the farmers in attendance, Mrs. Martha Banda, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn about new farming technologies.
“I have learned so much today about how I can improve my farming practices and increase my yields,” Mrs. Banda shared. “I am excited to implement some of these new techniques on my farm and see the results for myself.”
Overall, the Farmer Field Day organized by CAT and its partners was a resounding success, empowering smallholder farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in a changing climate.
Through continued support and collaboration, smallholder farmers in Lilongwe can enhance their agricultural productivity, achieve food security, and build resilience to climate change shocks.
