FVR AG-TIPS DECREASE POST HARVEST LOSSES IN MCHINJI

Chief Kacheta: Leading by example

When Farmer Voice Radio (FVR) started hitting Mudzi Wathu Community Radio Station’s airwaves with Agricultural Tips (AgTips) on timely harvesting and methods of harvesting that minimize losses (including information on how to transport, dry, shell, treat, and store maize effectively), Chief Kacheta of Kacheta Village in Mchinji, Malawi, decided to lead by example.He was one of the very first people in his village to break away from the traditional practice of delayed harvesting that exposes yields to theft, weevil, termite and rats attack, thereby increasing post harvest losses.

“I like listening to radio”, the Chief said.  “... FVR AgTips on Mudzi Wathu Community Radio Station have really helped me appreciate that timely harvesting would improve my yields”.

After following the precise advice given in the AgTips, Chief Kacheta harvested 9½ ox-carts compared to only 5½ ox-carts that he usually harvested using the old practice.  The Chief explained that the people in his village saw the benefit of timely harvesting and decided to follow his example.  “Right now about 200 of the 250 households (over 80%) in my village have already harvested their maize this year”, he notes.

Pulasedesi Phiri, a widow with six children, is living testimony of the transformation that FVR AgTips have brought to Kacheta village. For the past two years, she only managed to harvest less than 1½ ox-carts per year: an inadequate amount to feed her family.  Her low yields were predominantly due to delayed harvesting that led to termites, weevils, rat attack, and theft.

Mrs Phiri with some of her children

Her story is different this year.  For the first time as a single parent, she has harvested 3½ ox-carts. “This is unbelievable! As you can see, my granary is filled to the brim”, Mrs Phiri boasts with a broad smile.  Mrs Phiri attributes her success to two major interventions: the farm input subsidy program implemented by the Government, and FVR Ag Tips on timely harvesting and recommended methods of harvesting, broadcast on Mudzi Wathu Community Radio Station.

“When I listened to the AgTips for the first time,” she said, “I thought to myself, this is one of those things we listen to and let go”.  However, after hearing the messages numerous times, she decided to try them out.

Mrs Phiri applauds her chief for leading by example. She appeals to her fellow farmers, particularly women, to listen to and implement FVR messages being broadcast on Mudzi Wathu Community Radio Station so that they too can improve their lives.