Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka SC, said this when he presided over the launch of the MUBAS Agriculture Mechanization (AgriMech) Unit at Wenela in Blantyre, an initiative that is expected to revolutionize the agriculture sector in the country.

He said for a long-time some people have expressed cynicism and denigrated universities on their contributions to the development of the country, but the step taken by MUBAS is a clear testament that institutions of higher learning have a critical role to play in the actualization of the Malawi 2063 Vision.

‘’ This day without doubt is a happy day for the country and the education sector because MUBAS has dispelled the notion that our universities are only centres of academic theory by producing versatile and user-friendly farming equipment which will ease physical burden on our farmers,’’ said the minister.

Msaka reaffirmed government commitment to supporting institutions of higher learning in research and innovations that would transform the lives of Malawians in all sectors of the country’s economy.

‘’ This occasion demonstrates a deliberate step forward towards transforming ideas into practical solutions thereby ensuring that higher education contributes to national development through conversion of knowledge into productivity,’’ he said.

He added that for a long time Malawians have relied on imported farm machinery and the newly commissioned workshop will assist the country to serve forex through import substitution.

‘’ Malawi is an agro-based economy and the commissioning of this facility here will go a long way in improving the agriculture sector in this country by providing locally made equipment which will provide convenience and enhance efficiency and productivity for our farmers,’’

The minister also noted with appreciation the initiatives undertaken by the university to expand its revenue base through the establishment of MUBAS Commercial Limited (MCL) which has interests in mining, wood technology, engineering, construction, media production among others.

‘’ This is a university that will very soon not rely on government subvention for its survival,’’ said the visibly impressed Msaka who also toured the university’s high-tech mining laboratory and the University Innovation Pod (Unipod) prior to the commissioning of the AgriMech.

In her remarks, MUBAS Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Nancy Chitera said the university is geared to complement the government’s transformative agenda for the country by producing practical cutting-edge innovation and research that provide solutions to nation’s challenges.

‘’ When we analyzed the Malawi 2063 vision, we saw that agriculture mechanization is one important component of that vision, and we decided to use our knowledge and expertise to contribute to the agricultural industry in order to contribute to the nation’s aspirations.

‘’ As a university, we don’t want to confine our education to classrooms but to use knowledge and research for the betterment of our country and beyond,’’ said Chitera.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university spent over five billion kwacha for refurbishment of the factory and assembling of the manufacturing equipment.

Currently the AgriMech is producing hand-held tractors, maize shellers, plough, planters for various crops and harvesters. The National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has already purchased some farming equipment from the unit.