Experts say the delay in embracing Agricultural mechanization has made the country lag behind and continue experiencing social- economic challenges.
Social expert Dr Sherif Kaisi and an Agriculture expert Felix Lombe have said this in reaction to the recent commissioning of an Agriculture mechanization Unit by the University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).
Speaking in separate interviews both Kaisi and Lombe said Malawi have the potential to among countries doing well in Agriculture, if the higher institutions were more practical hence commending MUBAS for the initiative, saying it has come at a time when most are advancing in technology including in Agriculture.
Kaisi said the agriculture mechanisation unit has the ability to boost Agricultural production as the university may produce machinery that will be used in cultivating crops at a larger scale.
He added that the initiative may also help the country to have forex, as some of the manufactured machinery may be sold outside the country.
“In fact, in every country, the higher learning institutions are supposed to be more practical as compared to being theoretical, they need to put into practice and contribute to social economic development of the country, so what MUBAS has done is very commendable”, he said.
Kaisi emphasised on the need for other learning institutions including private Universities to emulate the good example set by MUBAS in order to enhance the country’s development.
Lombe however, says MUBAS as an educational institution, may not have adequate resources to produce the machinery form the scratch hence suggesting that the university should enter onto partnerships with investors like companies, that can help in producing the equipment.
“You know, every country has a back bone, it can be mining, Agriculture, tourism and many more, but Malawi’s back bone is Agriculture, yes we can say it late but it is better late than never, so what MUBAS has done is very important and commendable”, He added.
We do not expect the institution to be producing, in fact as learning institution, they are supposed to put more efforts on developing ideas and designing the machinery so that those that can be able to manufacture them should do so”, added Lombe.
He also advised the university to ensure it produces equipment that may be used in irrigation as well as mega farming through solar energy, as one way of mitigating the impacts of climate change effects that have led to poor Agricultural productivity.
The university of Business and Applied sciences, has established the Agro-technology unit to the tune of 5 Billion kwacha is expected to begin full tractor production in the next three years.
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