By Gracian Jeke
Mzuzu, Mana: NBS Bank Friday presented K1 million to Tafikamo Club from Mzimba after scooping first position in NBS National Tobacco Farmers Competition, during a ceremony that took place at the Banks’ premises in Mzuzu City.
The Club won the award after depositing and maintaining K800 000 in its fixed deposit account between the months of April and September, 2020 out of the required K50 000 for a club and individual to join the competition.
NBS Regional Manager for the Centre and North, Tryson Kalanda said the competition has been running for 16 years and aims to create and promote saving culture among farmers.
“Time and again, we have seen farmers working season in and season out. However most of them find it hard to begin the next season especially when it’s time to buy farm inputs,” he said.
Kalanda explained that the saved money play an important role of enabling the farmers access a loan as it serves as collateral.
“We want to help them have an avenue where they can save their money and in the process they will learn the importance of saving,” the Manager said.
Tafikamo Club Chairperson, Hilda Nyangulu Sato from Kabwafu, Traditional Authoirty (TA) Mpherembe in Mzimba said the club opened a fixed deposit account with NBS bank in 2014.
She said club members would use the money to supplement farming activities in the 2020/2021 farming season.
Mzuzu City Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gomegzani Nyasalu commended NBS for the gesture noting that cities are built by farmers through the food they provide to people who dwell in them.
“That’s why, we spared our time to join this function so that we continue supporting the initiative to promote social economic development though promotion of local farmers,” he said.
Nkava Chiwoyi Burley Club got solar panel for being on position two and Madalo Flue Club, Kwajakapu Club, Jakata Club and Mr. Jospeh Samuel Mwenda went away with a bicycle each for scooping third position.