By Durell Namasani
Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu Karongashawa, has stated that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s administration is committed to ensuring that the benefits of the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) fertilizer loan program reach the intended beneficiaries across the country.
He made these remarks during the launch of the NEEF loan fertilizer distribution at Lobi Trading Centre in the area of Senior Chief Kachere, Dedza District.
Kunkuyu emphasised that President Chakwera will ensure that farmers receive what they are promised so they can fully benefit from the initiative.
He noted that this program will stimulate growth in the agriculture sector, which is likely to improve the country’s foreign exchange reserves when agricultural commodities are sold on the international market.
“You are the ones feeding the country, and you need to be fully empowered. We want to see you driving cars and buying from the profits that you accumulate from this initiative,” Kunkuyu said.
He commended local chiefs for encouraging their communities to avoid reliance on free handouts and to embrace hard work, which is essential for enhancing agricultural growth in the area.
NEEF Board Chairperson Jefta Mtemwa indicated that the program was launched in 2024 with an initial budget of K25 billion, benefiting 11,500 farmers.
This year, the government has allocated K150 billion, targeting 400,000 farmers in 2025. He remarked that this aligns with the President’s vision to revitalize and transform agriculture, aiming to make Malawi a food-secure nation.
Mtemwa assured the beneficiaries that NEEF is working diligently to assist all applicants for loans, especially as the country is currently experiencing good rainfall.
Member of Parliament for Dedza South West, Clement Mlombwa, described this development as a testament to the government’s promises and commitment to promoting self-reliance among the citizens.
He expressed optimism that the program would help eradicate hunger in Dedza, as most farmers depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
He highlighted the importance of Lobi as a key agricultural production area and stressed the need for people in the district to benefit from the NEEF program.
In his remarks, Group Village Headman Lobi expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating it will significantly benefit farmers in the area. He urged farmers to resist the temptation to engage with vendors and to ensure they maximize their production.
Nicolas Pemba, a beneficiary representing Uli Kuti Club, also commended the government for the positive progress of the program.
