Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Irrigation vice-chairperson Ulemu Chilapondwa has commended Greenbelt Authority (GBA) for tackling food insecurity through large-scale maize farming.
He said this on Friday at Chikwawa in Salima District during an inspection of a 200-hectare (ha) maize farm.
Said Chilapondwa: “Chikwawa Irrigation Farm is a step in the right direction; the initiative not only addresses food insecurity but it also supports surrounding households with employment.
“It is encouraging to see such well-organised efforts that have the potential to transform the agriculture landscape in Malawi.”
Chilapondwa, who is also Ntchisi South legislator (Malawi Congress Party) highlighted the authority’s strategy to scale up mega-farms across the country, enabling the production of surplus maize channelled to the National Food Reserve Agency.
Greenbelt Authority chief executive officer Eric Chidzungu spoke about the organisation’s plans to scale up its efforts.
He said: “We are working closely with the government and our primary goal is to contribute to the country’s food reserves. In Salima, for instance, we have been allocated 2 500ha and we project to utilise that land next season.
“All situations being equal, at this maize farm we are projecting to harvest 1 000 metric tonnes this year. We have doubled our farm size from 100ha to 200ha and we are eager to continue expanding.”
Salima district commissioner James Mwenda reaffirmed the council’s commitment to support the authority.
“We have offered 2 500ha to the authority as part of our efforts to scale up food security initiatives. This partnership is crucial in helping the country attain its food security goals,” he said
