Lilongwe Potato and Organic Fertiliser Production Workshop Day 1 and 3.

 Farmer's Pride International, Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUIAPP)

 Workshop Report: Day 2 & 3

Location: Lilongwe, Malawi  

Date: 11/12/13/03/2024  

Participants: 54  

Key Personnel:

Workshop Coordinators: Bishop Eugene Deputy Country Director, Ruth Kamanga National Coordinator.

Country Overseer: Bishop M. Kondowe

International representatives: Laone MOPIPI

Facilitator: Hunter (Executive President and Founder)

Introduction:

Farmer's Pride International is proud to play a pivotal role in advancing the goals of the Malawi Vision 2063 through its Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUIAPP). By organizing skills and knowledge transfer workshops, we are actively contributing to the agricultural development objectives outlined in the vision.

Participation in Malawi Vision 2063:

The recent workshops hosted by Farmer's Pride International at the Children for the Nations Center in Lilongwe have showcased our commitment to supporting the Malawi Vision 2063. Through initiatives such as the Potato farming and processing workshop and the Animal waste Organic Fertilizers production workshop, we are working towards the collective aspirations and goals of the people of Malawi as outlined in the vision.

Upcoming Workshops and Call for Support:

Looking ahead, Farmer's Pride International is excited to announce upcoming workshops to be held in Malawi in July and August 2024. These workshops will focus on key areas of agricultural innovation and sustainability, providing participants with valuable insights and practical skills to enhance productivity and promote sustainable practices.

We invite the Government of Malawi, esteemed development partners, and stakeholders to support and participate in these upcoming workshops. Your collaboration and support are crucial in driving positive change in Malawi's agricultural sector and advancing the goals of the Malawi Vision 2063.

Let us join hands to build a brighter future for Malawi through sustainable agriculture and inclusive development.

Farmer's Pride International remains dedicated to contributing to the realization of the Malawi Vision 2063 and supporting the long-term development goals of the country. We extend our gratitude to all participants, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support and engagement.

We look forward to your support and participation in the upcoming workshops to be held in Malawi in July and August 2024. Your involvement is vital in shaping the future of agriculture in Malawi and driving positive change in our communities.

Workshop Topics Covered:

1. Cost breakdown and profits for growing Irish potatoes at different levels: 15,000 Potato tubers, 25,000, and 60,000, and potential profits.

2. Soil ecology and water ecology: Examining the effects of hard and soft water on potato farming.

3. Seed selection, Land soil preparation, and Potato Growth stages.

4. Planting techniques, biosecurity measures, and pest and disease management.

5. Value addition through potato processing machines and packaging.

Grow bag Potato Practical: 

Despite heavy rains, practical sessions on growing potatoes in bags and fields continued, providing participants with hands-on experience and valuable learning opportunities.

Immediate impact registered by the workshop: 

After learning about potato value addition making crisps, two ladies from Lilongwe went home and fried their crisps, according to the video they watched during day 1 training. They were so excited with their newly found skills and told the farmers attending the workshop that they packed the crisps for their children for them to share with others at school. 

Day 3 Highlights:

Participants learned about Organic Fertilizer production using animal waste from cattle, chicken, sheep, goats, and pigs. The session covered preparation, processing, packaging, business setup procedures, licensing, and more. Practical demonstrations were conducted to showcase organic fertilizer production techniques.

Lessons Learned:

- Understanding cost implications and profit potential at different production levels.

- Importance of soil and water quality in potato farming.

- Proper seed selection and land preparation techniques.

- Effective pest and disease management strategies.

- Value addition opportunities in potato farming.

Smart Objectives Met:

- Enhanced knowledge on potato farming practices.

- Hands-on experience in practical farming techniques.

- Exposure to organic fertilizer production processes.

- Understanding of business setup procedures and licensing requirements.

Pathways to Success:

- Continuous learning and skill development.

- Adoption of sustainable and innovative farming practices.

- Collaboration with experts and international representatives for knowledge exchange.

- Implementation of efficient monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Points:

- Regular monitoring of crop growth and production processes.

- Evaluation of cost-effectiveness and profitability of farming practices.

- Learning from challenges and adapting strategies for improvement.

- Feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement.

Recommendations & Encouragement:

- Encourage learners to apply knowledge gained to improve their farming practices.

- Emphasize the importance of perseverance and dedication in overcoming poverty and hunger 

Recommendations & Encouragement:

Continued Education: Encourage participants to seek further education and training in agricultural practices to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Networking: Foster collaboration and networking among participants to share experiences, best practices, and support each other in their farming endeavors.

Market Access: Assist farmers in accessing markets for their produce by establishing partnerships with local markets, cooperatives, or agribusinesses.

Diversification: Encourage diversification of crops and farming activities to mitigate risks and maximize returns.

Community Engagement: Promote community involvement in agricultural initiatives to create a supportive environment for sustainable farming practices.

Technological Adoption: Advocate for the adoption of modern farming technologies and practices to improve efficiency and productivity.

Conclusion:

The Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUIAPP) workshop on potato farming in Lilongwe, Malawi, has equipped participants with valuable knowledge, practical skills, and inspiration to succeed in their agricultural endeavors. By embracing the lessons learned, meeting smart objectives, and following pathways to success, participants can improve their farming practices, increase their income, and contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in their communities.

By encouraging continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation, participants can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable success in potato farming and organic fertilizer production. Together, we can empower farmers, transform communities, and build a brighter future for agriculture in Malawi.

Thank you to all the participants, organizers, and stakeholders for their dedication and commitment to the success of the workshop. Let's continue to work together, learn from each other, and strive for excellence in agricultural production and rural development.

Detailed reports on this workshop shall be shared soon. 

Signed,

Hunter (Executive President and Founder)

Farmer's Pride International