NEWS:

7 Mar, 2016


Mrs Mtosa: Since the coming in of the solar pump, the revenue at the farm has increased from MK 150 000 annually to MK 1 000 000 monthly
A solar pump that was donated at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) by the Foundation for Irrigation and Sustainable Development (FISD) in June last year has improved the production of horticultural produce at Bunda Farm.


In an interview on Monday, the Farm Manageress Mrs. Esnart Mtosa revealed that since the installation of the pump at the farm, there has been a tremendous improvement in the production of horticultural crops such as vegetables and potatoes.


She said the motorized pump which was used in the past was vandalized in 2009 and this contributed to the decline in production.


“Since then it was only half acre which was used for production of vegetables and could get revenue of about Mk 150 000 annually but with the coming in of the solar pump two hectares are used for vegetable production and the revenue is around MK 500 000 monthly,” said Mrs Mtosa.


The Farm Manageress is optimistic that by end of this year the farm will be able to produce MK 1 000 000 per month which will improve the farm in many ways.


She added that there is potential market for the farm produce saying that currently the produce are being sold at Bunda Farm shop, in town as well as some vendors are coming at the farm to buy them on wholesale.


“There are plans of opening a shop in town where all these farm produce will be sold. Currently we have selling points where they are sold,” said Mrs Mtosa.


She further said the pump is attracting a lot of farmers who are coming to appreciate how it works and a number of them have been encouraged to try this type of pump.


“We now have an agreement with Agricultural Trading Centre (ATC) whereby they will be conducting trials for new varieties at the farm,” she said.


Solar water pumps have been in mass production since 1983 and are in use in many parts around the world. These pumps are designed to be powered by solar energy are more efficient, use low labour and are non-polluting.


Written By: Patricia Nkhoma Ngwale