By Paul Madise

Kasungu, June 7, Mana: Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Youichi Oya has said response to impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war on agriculture in Malawi Project would help to ensure food security in the country.

He made the remarks on Friday in Kasungu after handing over Solar pumps, seeds and fertilizer to farmer’s groups in the district.

Oya said through the project, the country could mitigate the food insecurity which has come about due to effects of El Nino weather conditions.

"This project was responding to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war but it will also help to reduce the food insecurity that is there due to the El Nino weather," he added.

The Ambassador pointed out that the country should adopt winter cropping to supplement its food needs in the face of changing climatic patterns.

Oya said the Japanese government was committed to supporting various interventions towards agriculture and help the country achieve food security.

Controller of Agriculture and Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Alfred Mwenefumbo commended the Japanese government for the support to Malawi government's agriculture sector.

He said the Ministry of Agriculture was promoting adoption of new farming technologies among the farmers so that there is increased production even in the face of climate change-induced shocks.

The Japanese funded project is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Kasungu and Mzimba South.

FAO Representative for Malawi, Zhijun Chen expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for supporting the project and entrusting FAO to work with the government of Malawi and other stakeholders to contribute towards food security and climate change resilience in the two districts.

"The Japanese Government remains a strong and committed partner to FAO and their support symbolizes the confidence they have in the partnership between FAO and government of Malawi," he said.