OVOP launches five years strategic plan

One Village One Product (OVOP), a programme under the Japanese Government has launched its five years strategic plan that will direct OVOP movement in the years to come.

The 2014 /19 plan will apart from offering direction also guide the implementation of OVOP initiatives in the next five years and address some of the challenges the programme previously faced.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Joseph Mwanamveka said the government of Malawi recognizes the important role OVOP is playing in the country particularly in uplifting the living standards of Malawians.

Mwanamveka disclosed that a good number of OVOP members are farmers and through the programme, it has become easier for them (farmers) to find markets for their produce and also add value to the products thereby realizing maximum profit.

“Through OVOP cooperatives, it has been possible for farmers to produce high quality products and be able to sell them on both local and international markets. The programme has also enabled small enterprises to easily access financial support in form of loans as a result improving their economic status,” the minister said.

He added, “To completely eradicate poverty in the country, there is need for such as this initiatives that also directly supports the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy  2  (MDGs) which is about improving the living standards of a poor farmer.

The minister then described the launch of the strategic plan as a benchmark in the realization of the dream to end poverty.

“It is my hope that this strategic plan we are launching today will play a critical role in ensuring that we implement this programme effectively and efficiently,” Mwanamveka explained.

He then assured of governments support towards the programmes and further promised for a conducive environment.