Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Contributes to Food Security with 7,000 Bags of Maize
Brigadier General John Stanley Chikhulupiliro Chaika, Commander of the Malawi National Service, highlighted the productive nature of the national service, expressing its readiness to serve the nation.
MCHINJI, Malawi — The Malawi Defence Force (MDF), in collaboration with the Malawi National Service, has delivered approximately 7,459 bags of maize to the government as part of efforts to bolster food security in the country, writes Winfrida Kamwana, MANA.
The handover ceremony took place at Gada Farm in Mchinji, where the maize was cultivated. Dennis Kalekeni, Chairperson of the National Food Reserve Agency Board, announced during the event that the maize would be strategically stored in grain reserves to provide assistance to those in need.
"This initiative aligns with the government's efforts to establish large-scale farms to ensure food security in the country," stated Kalekeni. He emphasized that the maize would not only aid the needy but also help stabilize prices and prepare for any unforeseen events, allowing the government to provide relief supplies.
Erica Maganga, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, revealed that the initiative had surpassed expectations by producing more metric tonnes of maize than the initial funds allocated.
"The initiative received MK109 million ($135,000) to produce maize, and the MDF managed to produce about 372 metric tonnes, equivalent to MK205 million ($253,000)," explained the MDF Principal Secretary.
She added that plans were underway to implement a pivot irrigation system and expand livestock production to ensure the initiative's sustainability, increase crop production, and contribute to national food security, a crucial component of the country's development.
Brigadier General John Stanley Chikhulupiliro Chaika, Commander of the Malawi National Service, highlighted the productive nature of the national service, expressing its readiness to serve the nation.
Chaika emphasised the potential for increased crop production given the availability of human capital and land.
The MDF received funding of MK109 million ($135,000) for the initiative during the 2022–23 growing season. Of the total produce, 70% is allocated to the Ministry of Finance, while the remaining 30% goes to the MDF.