By Staff Reporter
The distribution of National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) agricultural loans has officially begun in Mzimba North East Constituency, marking a significant step towards making Malawi a food-sufficient nation.
This initiative, spearheaded by President Lazarus Chakwera, aims to empower smallholder farmers and promote agricultural development.
Catherine Gotani Hara, Member of Parliament for Mzimba North East Constituency, Speaker of the National Assembly, and First Deputy President for the Malawi Congress Party, was in attendance at the launch.
She was joined by Senior Chief Mtwalo, and together they assisted a beneficiary in lifting a bag of fertilizer, symbolizing the support and empowerment that NEEF aims to provide.
The NEEF loans are not freebies, but rather a financial empowerment tool, as emphasized by Vice President Dr. Michael Usi. Beneficiaries are expected to repay the loans, which will help to sustain the program and support more farmers in the future.
With NEEF committing to disburse MK70 billion as Farm Input Loans (FIL) to 70,000 farmers nationwide, this initiative is poised to make a significant impact on Malawi’s agricultural sector.