LILONGWE—Malawians farmers are being urged to invest in lucrative dairy farming.

“If we are talking of a well to do farmer in Malawi then it is a dairy farmer. Dairy farming has really proven to be a profitable business which if seriously given the attention could help in uplifting the living standards of farmers [and]… also improve the economy of the country,” Felix Jumbe, president of Farmers Union in Malawi, was quoted as saying by Malawi News Agency.

He said studies show that unlike farmers who solely grow crops, a dairy farmer  is capable of making more than double the profit each year.

A well managed dairy cow could produce five to 10 liters of milk a day, accounting for about 300 liters
every month, he said.

“We have evidence from some of the farmers who are already doing the farming in the rural areas, their life has improved tremendously,” Jumbe said. “My appeal to my fellow farmers therefore is let’s also try dairy farming and see the benefits we can get from it.”

The union leader appealed to government to support small scale farmers with financial and material support and access to foreign markets.

Agriculture is the main driver of Malawi’s economy. It contributes about 90 percent to the whole economy.
---
©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.