USAID Commends Pyxus Agriculture's Reforestation Efforts
Pyxus is also involved in groundnut processing, highlighting its role as one of the largest groundnut processing facilities in sub-Saharan Africa.
MZIMBA, Malawi— The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has praised Pyxus Agriculture Limited's reforestation program for its use of innovative techniques to cultivate trees quickly, writes Isaac Kambwiri.
Following a visit to Pyxus' 3,000-hectare concession in Chikangawa Forest, USAID Malawi's Director of Sustainable Economic Growth, Jeff de Graffenried, commended the company's "modern technologies" that enable trees to mature for harvest within four to five years.
"This initiative has the potential to significantly boost Malawi's export earnings, create employment opportunities, and improve the country's reforestation efforts," de Graffenried remarked.
He encouraged other Malawian forestry and conservation organizations to adopt similar practices.
USAID has provided Pyxus Agriculture with financial aid to support these endeavors.
Pyxus Agriculture's Managing Director, Ronald Ngwira, reaffirmed the company's commitment to expanding its tree-planting initiatives in Chikangawa and other Malawian forests.
This strategy aims to address the scarcity of timber and electricity poles while generating jobs and contributing to Malawi's economic growth.
Shingirirai Ndolo, Director of Forestry at Pyxus Agriculture, outlined plans to plant over one million tree seedlings this year, covering more than 500 hectares.
He attributed the company's exceptional 98% survival rate to the use of high-quality global tree genetics and meticulous seedling care.
Ndolo also commended the positive relationship Pyxus Agriculture has built with surrounding communities, which has helped to prevent arson fires within the company's forests.
Pyxus is also involved in groundnut processing, highlighting its role as one of the largest groundnut processing facilities in sub-Saharan Africa.