THE FVR RICE PLOT IN NKHOTAKOTA (MALAWI)

Mrs. Betcheles’ rice field with two plots, one using old broadcasting method and the other in drills adopted through Liwu La Mlimi

Many rice growing smallholder farmers in Nkhotakota are used to applying traditional methods of growing rice such as broadcasting. The coming of Liwu La Mlimi on Nkhotakota Community Radio has changed the mindset of many such farmers. They have started adopting better methods of growing rice to increase production and the quality of the crop. One such smallholder farmers  is Mrs. Mwenefeziya Betchele of Njumbula Radio Listening club.  Betchele is extremely appreciative of FVR Liu La Mlimi radio program on Nkhotakota Community radio for the knowledge and expertise she has acquired in rice production.  Before FVR, Betchele recalls that she knew nothing about growing rice in drills which creates good plant spacing, timely sowing and transplanting, timely weeding and fertilizer application as explained on Liwu La Mlimi FVR programs she listened to and practiced.

In an interview with broadcasters Betchele assured FVR team that this growing season with adequate rainfall she is optimistic of a bumper harvest of rice crop from “The FVR plot “,as she calls it, “for a wealthier year for her family”,  she mused.