Illovo Plc, LUANAR succeed in maize irrigation initiative in Malawi

MALAWI – Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale has expressed his impression over the first maize harvest under the ”Tropical Cyclone Freddy Relief Maize Production Initiative” in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.

The initiative is a partnership between Illovo Plc and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).  

Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc, a subsidiary of Associated British Foods Plc donated 103 hectares to LUANAR for large-scale maize cultivation through irrigation farming.

The initiative sought to produce 700 metric tonnes of maize in the first phase to complement the government’s efforts to address food insecurity that has hit the country as a result of Tropical Cyclone Freddy.

Speaking during the tour and witnessing the harvesting of maize on Saturday in Dwangwa, Kawale said what is being witnessed is an extremely good way in which government, academic Institutions as well as the private sector can come together and fulfill the vision of President Lazurus Chakwera of mega farms.

”The harvest will go a long way in helping different Institutions to have access to food,” he said, adding that this is just a very small piece of land that has been utilized.

Kawale expressed optimism that come 2024 not only invest in rain-fed agriculture but they are also set aside more money that will go into irrigation.

LUANAR Council Chairperson, Professor Zachary Kasomekera said the maize initiative in Dwangwa has showcased the impact of partnerships in providing solutions to uphold and assist the nation.

On his part, Lekani Katandula, Illovo Plc Managing Director noted that he believes that the private sector in partnership with the government can do a lot for the country, adding that from the initiative, “more maize has been harvested on a small land.”

”We are proud to be part of this successful project which will go a long way in reducing food insecurity in Malawi,” he said.

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), projects, Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc has so far invested K635.4 million (US$31M) in development projects the company carried out for communities around Dwangwa Estate in Nkhotakota.

The CSR activities are in response to concerns over how the government would respond to the food requirements of 4.4 million people at risk of hunger after the country was hit by Cyclone Freddy in March this year.

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