By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, January 27, Mana: Tobacco Commission (TC) on Saturday held a tree-planting exercise at Kadude village in Traditional Authority Mavwere in Mchinji where a remarkable 4,200 trees were planted.

This initiative followed President Lazarus Chakwera’s national forestry season launch on January 8 in Phalombe, and a Mchinji district tree planting launch on January 26.

George Chinkhandwe, the director of technical services at TC, expressed the Commission's commitment to promoting environmental responsibility among tobacco farmers.

"We are at the forefront of encouraging tobacco farmers because we know that tobacco farmers use trees, and only if the trees are replenished can the tobacco industry progress. Tobacco buyers are now emphasizing that only those countries that are encouraging tree planting will be preferred destinations for their tobacco purchases,” said Chinkhandwe underscoring the critical role that environmental practices play in the economic viability of the tobacco sector.

Agnes Nkusa Nkhoma, the Member of Parliament for the area, emphasised the importance of nurturing the newly planted trees. 

"Following the President's tree planting season launch, we should make sure that we all participate in planting trees and that the trees are taken care of. We must stop those who wantonly cut down trees and burn charcoal,” said Nkusa Nkhoma.

Senior Chief Mavwere added a layer of cultural responsibility to the initiative, urging his fellow chiefs to lead by example.

"Chiefs should have their own forests in their villages which will motivate the people to have their own forests," he said.

The forestry officer, Tadala Chafukira, expressed gratitude to TC for their proactive involvement and also reminded the community of their role in safeguarding the trees.

"This exercise shows that the department and the commission are moving on the same path by supporting the tree planting initiative. TC has brought the trees to the community, so the people must take care of the trees,” said Chafukira.

In order to broaden the impact, some fruit trees were distributed to schools around Kadude village in the TA, enriching not only the environment but also the local communities.

This year’s tree planting season theme is ‘Forest Innovation in Action: Reforestation for a Sustainable Tomorrow’.