By Burnett Munthali
President Lazarus Chakwera has encouraged farmers to practice winter cropping through NEEF farm input loans.
He made the call following poor harvests caused by erratic rainfall as a result of climate change.
The President made the remarks at Njonja Trading Centre during his campaign trail for the September 16, 2025, General Election.
“I encourage you not to relent but to work hard in the fields during the winter season,” Chakwera said.
He assured the gathering that the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) would continue supporting farmers with farm inputs.
The President further pledged to transform NEEF into a bank if re-elected.
He stressed that the institution would remain a key pillar in empowering smallholder farmers and strengthening agricultural productivity.
“As chiefs, we are encouraging people to pay back the loans so that others can also benefit from them,” Chakwera added.
The President also highlighted that timely repayment of loans would ensure the sustainability of the programme and expand access to more farming households.
President Chakwera’s emphasis on winter cropping and NEEF loans reflects a broader effort to address the twin challenges of climate change and food insecurity.
By promoting year-round farming, he aims to reduce reliance on unpredictable rain-fed agriculture while strengthening farmers’ resilience.
However, the success of this initiative depends not only on access to inputs but also on the willingness of farmers to repay loans and on government’s ability to transform NEEF into a reliable financial institution.
If implemented effectively, this strategy could enhance food security, boost rural incomes, and reinforce the President’s vision of agricultural transformation.
