In Malawi, a transition to solar-powered milking and water pumping systems is underway, significantly reducing the time required for milking.
With this technology, milking one cow has decreased from 80 minutes to just 8-10 minutes.
Initially, in 2020, researchers from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) tested this technology on Mbendera’s farm in the Dedza district. Following this trial, farmers noticed a remarkable increase in efficiency.
After the success of this trial, the Malawi National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) aims to expand the initiative. NCST Chief Research Services Officer Mike Kachedwa made the following statements:
“With the government support under the Science and Technology Fund, NCST is geared to upscale this project, subject to the availability of funds. Having seen the positive impact of the innovation, the smallholder farmers involved in the pilot regrouped themselves into a cooperative to embrace the innovation.”
Additionally, this project is being implemented in collaboration with companies like Orifice Irrigation and Water Supply Limited.
The solar-powered system pumps water through a solar-operated submersible pump to a raised storage tank, providing easy access to water for the animals. The system also powers the milking machine and even aids in lighting the farm.
With lighting in place, farmers can milk their cows in the evening as well.
If this project becomes more widespread, milk production on small farms in Malawi will increase. At the same time, this technology contributes to significant time savings and higher-quality milk production.
