Greenbelt touts irrigation schemes

 Greenbelt Authority director of irrigation operations Chisomo Kumbuyo says construction of Nthola-Ilola Irrigation Scheme in Karonga District is progressing well.

Speaking on Wednesday during a media orientation of Karonga-based journalists on the progress of construction of Nthola-Ilola Irrigation Scheme, he said irrigation schemes and mega farms were crucial to achieve the country’s aspirations outlined in the Malawi 2063, a long-term development strategy.

He said when completed, government will achieve its goal of job creation, improve food and income security among its citizens.

Said Kumbuyo: “At Nthola-Ilola Irrigation Scheme, installation of the rice processing plant is at 98 percent completion rate and the water intake construction is at 60 percent completion rate.

“When completed,at least 14 000 community members in the district will benefit.”

He said government has committed K1.5 billion in the 2024/25 budget out of K7 billion to complete the Nthola-Ilola Rice Processing Factory.

“The works will also include installation of electricity, water, drying slab, construction of a warehouse, water tanks and an ablution system,” said Kumbuyo.

Tuntufye FM journalist Patience Harawa commended Greenbelt Authority for engaging journalists on the progress of Nthola-Ilola Irrigation Scheme project.

Nthola-Ilola Water Users Association chairperson Oswald Gondwe said the project was a game-changer for farmers in the district.

“For long, rice farmers have been struggling to add value totheir produce to attract better prices,” he said.

Greenbelt is also rehabilitating Dwambazi Livestock Farm in Nkhotakota and irrigation schemes such as Mlambe in Mangochi, Chipoka in Salima and Lweya in Nkhata Bay districts