Secretary for Irrigation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Engineer Geoffrey Mamba, has expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the Greenbelt Authority (GBA) to maximize the country's maize production.

He made the remarks on Wednesday at Kanengo in Lilongwe during the handover ceremony of 162 metric tonnes of maize to the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), which the Authority cultivated through their rain-fed program at the Chikwawa Irrigation Scheme in Salima.

"This initiative aligns well with the ministry's objective of ensuring the country has sustainable food production and is food-sufficient," Mamba stated.

GBA Vice Board Chairperson Regina Sambakunsi also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the achievement despite challenges encountered due to erratic rains.

"The 162 metric tonnes is a significant achievement. GBA will continue to improve the agriculture sector through irrigation and rain-fed programs to embrace President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera's vision of making Malawi a productive and self-reliant nation," Sambakunsi said.

Board Chairperson for NFRA, Dennis Kalekeni, praised the initiative, describing it as a milestone in complementing the Mega Farm initiative and enhancing the country's food security.

"NFRA has also opened markets in Kasungu, Mzimba, and Chitipa, and plans are underway to open in Mzuzu to ensure that maize is plentiful and available in the country's grain reserves. This initiative will help to reduce and eradicate hunger among households," Kalekeni added.