Malawi Defence Force (MDF) through Malawi National Service, has made available about 7,459 bags of maize to government in a bid to help it achieve food security in the country.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Gada Farm in Mchinji where the maize was produced, Board Chairperson for National Food Reserve Agency, Dennis Kalekeni, said the maize will be placed in strategic grain reserve in readiness for support to needy people.
“This is a good initiative to follow as government is putting in place mechanisms to establish mega farms to ensure that there is food security in the country,” said Kalekeni.
He further said the maize will not only help the needy, but also help stabilise prices and any other eventuality coming ahead so that government can provide relief items.
Ministry of Defence Principal Secretary, Erica Maganga, explained that the initiative has been a success since MDF was able to produce more metric tonnes, making a profit over the initial funds it was handed.
“The initiative was given K109 million to produce maize and the MDF has managed to produce about 372 metric tonnes which translate to K205 million.
“This indicates that the initiative was a good development because we were able to produce more against the funding we were given,” explained the MDF Principal Secretary.
She further stated that as one way of sustaining the initiative, plans to install a pivot irrigation system and to extend livestock production have been put in place to produce more crops and continue contributing towards national food security in the country which is key to development.
In his remarks, Brigadier General, John Stanley Chikhulupiliro Chaika, Commander for Malawi National Service stated the national service is a development and productive service which is ready to serve the nation.
Reported by Winfrida Kamwana