By Solister Mogha

Zomba, October 30, Mana: Besides presiding over World Food and African Food Day commemoration, Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale also launched distribution of relief maize for the 2024/2025 lean period at Chimbiya Primary School ground at Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita in Zomba on Wednesday.

Speaking after symbolic presentation of maze to some beneficiaries, the minister said launch of food distribution was a fulfilment of President Chakwera's wish to ensure no one does of hunger in Malawi.

Due to erratic rains last year, many farming households did not harvest enough food that would take them to this current season, Kawale noted.

He said, considering the current food situatiin, government was implementing various interventions to reduce food insecurity.

“Apart from maize distribution there are several interventions such as Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme, Social Cash Transfer Programme, all aimed at supporting Malawians to survive the food situation.

He therefore assured Malawians not to despair; as government will do, it's best to save the food situation.

“Malawians should not panic. Government will do all necessary interventions to ensure there is enough food such that no one will die of hunger,” he added.

Zomba District Disaster Management Officer, Violet Jimu said 75,344 households in the district were targeted to receive 50 kilograms of maize for the period of five months compared to 35,000 households targeted last year.

During the symbolic distribution, a recipient, Janet Nikisi from Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita's area in Zomba hailed government for launching food distribution.

“I really had nothing to eat. This maize is a big relief to me and my grandchildren,” she added

Nikisi expressed hope that the relief maize for the period of five months will keep his family going.