Namwera Farmers in Value Addition Products Bid

Tukamulane members signing for the grant, while Jere left and Kachale (right) witnessing Tukamulane members signing for the grant, while Jere left and Kachale (right) witnessing - pic by Raphael Mlozowa

Tukamulane Farmers Association (TUFA), in Namwera-Mangochi, says it is planning to stop selling raw produces and increase its returns by selling value added produces.

Chairperson for TUFA, Brighton Mussa, whose organization on Saturday received a financial boost of MK72, 772,100.00 from the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), said the group which is soy bean farming is planning big.

“With over 500 farmers and enough land, our challenge was capital, and having this boost from USADF I’m challenging you to visit us in the next coming three years,” said Mussa.

Mussa said currently, despite having reliable markets, they are not making profits as they can do after value adding value, so they want to invest so that they can buy machines for value addition.

USADF Country Program Coordinator, Lynda Ndovie Jere, said her organization is happy that the group is more organized now hence awarding it with the grant to improve its production and marketing capacity of soy bean in the next two years.

“Some 5 years ago when we were starting working with them they were not even registered, but after working with they have proved to be a nice group and with financial boost and good technical advice, they can create and sustain jobs and address their social development needs,” said Jere.

Minister of industry Roy Kachale who presented the cheque to the group said it is the wish of his ministry that farmers should be in groups because it is easier for them to negotiate deals than working as individuals.

Kachale said the ministry has a department special to assist those in small businesses and they are trying to create a suitable environment for them because large industries cannot grow if the small groups are struggling.

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Last modified on Wednesday, 04/11/2020

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