By Max Medison

Salima, January 9, Mana: Green Belt Authority has set an ambitious target of covering 200 hectares for maize production in Salima district, expecting to yield 800 metric tonnes of maize, during the 2024-2025 growing season.

The development was revealed on Wednesday, in Salima when the Authority briefed members of the media from the district. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for Greenbelt Authority, Frank Chidampamba expressed optimism of high yield because of thorough preparations.

Chidampamba said to meet this target, the Authority has already hired over 200 seasonal workers and intends to increase the number as the season progresses.

“Our goal for this year is to cultivate 200 hectares, with a target yield of 4 tons per hectare. To ensure we meet this objective, we have recruited over 200 seasonal workers already, and we anticipate increasing this number to ensure success,” he said.

He said the maize once harvested will be delivered to the National Food Reserve Agency as a way of improving food security in the country.

The Authority’s Public Relations Officer, Sam Majamanda, praised the ongoing productive partnership between the authority and Salima District Council and the media. He expressed the authority's commitment to strengthening the collaboration and taking it to new heights while continuing to fulfill its mission.

“We appreciate the cooperation between us and Salima District Council, and we are eager to deepen and expand this partnership as we work towards achieving our goals,” Majamanda said.

He said the Authority also regards Salima as one of their core strategic districts due to its easy access to Lake Malawi and hopes to make good use of the available resources in pursuit of its goals.

On his part, Love Community Radio Station Manager Henry Mlelemba commended the good working relationship that exists between the media and the Authority. He said timely sharing of information is the backbone for ensuring an informed community.

"By engaging us on their production plans here in Salima shows how eager the Authority is to inform the public about their continued commitment to be transparent in their operations in the district," he said.

The Chikwawa irrigation scheme located in the area of Senior Chief Khombedza in Salima is one of the Green Belt Authority mega farm projects aimed at promoting food security and economic growth for the country.