By Richard Kagunda

Kasungu, March 17, Mana: Member of Parliament for Kasungu South Constituency, Simplex Chithyola Banda, on Sunday donated 3,000 bags of maize, each weighing 25 kilogrammes, worth K21 million to communities in the constituency.

Making the donation at his Namuleri Farm at Linyangwa, Chithyola Banda said the donation is in response to the hunger crisis created by dry spells during last year's growing season.

El Nino weather phenomenon created prolonged dry spells resulting in poor harvest, a development that forced President Dr Lazarus Chakwera to declare a State of Disaster in 23 districts including Kasungu.

"This is the second time for us to distribute our proceeds from Namuleri Farm. We did the same on January 1 this year when we donated to 3,000 people," he said.

Chithyola Banda, who is also Minister of Finance, encouraged communities to adopt modern and sustainable methods of farming to counter the effects of climate change and become food secure.

"As leaders we need to lead by example that is why we have invested a lot in farming as a business.

"It is my plea to Malawians to embrace irrigation to ensure food security in the country," he said.

Senior Chiefs Santhe and Chizuma commended the Parliamentarian for the donation stating it will ease family pressures created by hunger among the area's households.

"We are grateful to our MP for timely responding to the hunger crisis affecting our people.

"On the other hand, I urge all the beneficiaries to use their presence here as a learning visit to appreciate modern agriculture," Santhe said.

One of the beneficiaries Patuma James from Chaima Village in the area of Senior Chief Santhe hailed the donation as timely.

Namuleri Farm produced at least 500 metric tonnes of maize in the last growing season.