CHIEF CHANJE PRODS EXTENSION OFFICERS

AGRICULTURAL officers should do more to educate rural farmers on the types of crops to grow depending on the terrain and effects of climate change, says Chief Chanje of the Chewa in Eastern Province.

Chief Chanje urged agricultural officers to be proactive and ensure that they advised farmers on what kind of crops to grow depending on the characteristics of the soil and other climatic conditions to ensure higher yields and productivity in any particular farming season.

In an interview at the weekend, Chief Chanje said it was important for agricultural officers to engage rural farmers and sensitise them about effects of climate change. He said only a few farmers in rural areas fully understand what climate change was about and the negative effects it could have on their produce.

He expressed gratitude to companies working in rural areas such as Japan Tobacco International, COMACO and Total Land Care for assisting the community in educating farmers on issues of agriculture.

“Agricultural officers should advise farmers on what type of crops a farmer can grow in a rural area depending on climate change and other factors in a farming season.

“We always appreciate companies working in rural areas like Japan Tobacco International, Total Land Care and COMACO and others for positive change and their assistance in educating our people on agriculture matters,” Chief Chanje said.

He encouraged nongovernmental organisations in the agricultural sector to continue supplementing Government efforts in boosting agriculture activities.

Chief Chanje said agricultural officers were key in ensuring that the country produced another bumper harvest of not only maize but other crops.