By Peter Davieson

The National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has disbursed farm input tools worth K51 million to the Kadewele Irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Mwambo, Zomba District to enhance crop production through winter farming.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, NEEF Executive Director Humphrey Mdyetseni said the fund is targeting 200,000 beneficiaries nationwide through its Winter Cropping Loan Program.

He highlighted that loan recovery has been more successful compared to other NEEF loan products.

“The level of interest from farmers is overwhelming, and we are impressed with how well they are repaying the loans,” said Mdyetseni.

In her remarks, Kadewele Irrigation Scheme Secretary Esther Mangwilisa said irrigation farming has enabled her to support her family and send her children to school.

However, Mangwilisa pointed out challenges that farmers at the scheme continue to face, including the rising cost of farm tools and the impact of climate change.