The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development in Malawi has urged farmers in areas expected to receive below-normal rainfall to diversify their crops and adopt drought-tolerant varieties. This move aims to minimize potential production losses during the 2026/27 farming season. The ministry's spokesperson, Salome Gangire, emphasized the importance of translating weather information into actionable agricultural advice for farmers.
Farmers are advised to incorporate crops such as sorghum, millet, groundnuts, pigeon peas, and cowpeas into their farming systems, rather than heavily depending on maize. According to Gangire, the government is working with the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services and agricultural extension development officers to provide district-specific farming advice. This collaboration aims to ensure that farmers receive timely and practical information to make informed decisions.
The Ministry of Agriculture is using various channels to reach farmers, including community meetings, farmer field schools, demonstration plots, community radio stations, and frontline extension workers. This multi-faceted approach aims to effectively disseminate weather forecasts and agricultural advice to farmers across the country. By doing so, the ministry hopes to empower farmers to make informed decisions about their crops.
Agricultural expert and Peacock Seeds director, Felix Jumbe, has recommended drought-tolerant maize varieties, such as PCK10, PCK-MH30, and CAP9001, for areas expecting below-normal rainfall. These varieties are expected to perform better under dry conditions, reducing the risk of crop failure. Farmers in areas with uncertain rainfall patterns are advised to consider these options.
The Ministry of Agriculture has also urged farmers to continue following short-term weather advisories, as seasonal forecasts can only provide general rainfall patterns. The exact timing and distribution of rainfall in individual localities cannot be determined, making it essential for farmers to stay informed about local weather conditions. By doing so, they can make adjustments to their farming practices accordingly.
The government's efforts to promote crop diversification and drought-tolerant varieties aim to enhance the resilience of Malawi's agricultural sector. By adopting these strategies, farmers can reduce their vulnerability to climate-related shocks and improve their overall productivity. The Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to providing farmers with the necessary information and support to make informed decisions.
As the 2026/27 farming season approaches, farmers in Malawi are advised to take proactive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of below-normal rainfall. By diversifying their crops and adopting drought-tolerant varieties, they can reduce the risk of crop failure and ensure a more stable food supply. The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to provide guidance and support to farmers across the country.
Key points
- The Ministry of Agriculture advises farmers to diversify crops and adopt drought-tolerant varieties due to expected below-normal rainfall.
- Agricultural expert Felix Jumbe recommends drought-tolerant maize varieties for areas expecting below-normal rainfall.
- The Ministry of Agriculture is working with various stakeholders to provide district-specific farming advice to farmers.
