By Linda Kwanjana
Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale says Agriculture remains key component of Malawi economy ang a key towards attainment on Agenda 2063.
Speaking during the Malawi Agriculture Investment Forum held at BICC in Lilongwe Kawale said agriculture sector remains critical to achieving the Malawi we want as stipulated in the national vision, the Malawi 2063 (MW2063).
He said this is consistent with the National Agriculture Policy (NAP) and the National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP), which seeks to transform and commercialize the agriculture sector to achieve food, nutrition and income security.
“That is why it is important to have good collaboration between the government and the private sector, ” he said.
He said Government emphasize on collaboration to empower agriculture sector.
Kawale said it is important to have good collaboration between government and the private sector as one way to empower agriculture sector players in order to attract sector investment and explore opportunities.
Kawale said this collaboration will help the country to explore opportunities for capital investments in various value chains developed under Hand in Hand Initiative (HiHi).
“The Hand in Hand Initiative has provided Malawi with an opportunity to map out investment options. The ministry has developed investment proposals on rice, banana, dairy, fisheries and aquaculture value chains following a comprehensive analysis and consultative process in all the three regions of the country,” Kawale said.
He said the Ministry recognize that for a successful implementation of the initiative, there is a need for everyone to take a leading role in mobilizing resources and providing technical support so that the country should move to a wealthy and self-reliant nation.
“This investment forum is critical to transforming the Agriculture sector as we answer how to boost the sector’s contribution to economic growth. In searching for solutions, we have always sought answers from various stakeholders to make suitable investment,” the minister added.
He therefore urged Malawians to continue with the commitment which has been shown so far by being part of the team to transform the agriculture sector.
The minister also acknowledged Malawi Investment Trade Center (MITC), for honoring a call that was made to them to organize such an event and he also extend sincere thanks to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), for the technical support rendered to this cause.
