By Tawonga Moyo

Karonga, March 11, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera on Monday visited Nthola-Illola Rice Processing Plant in Karonga to appreciate the factory’s contribution to value addition chain in rice production and marketing.

Upon arrival at the plant, Chakwera was taken inside the factory where he was showed different rice processing stages.

The President also interacted with rice farmers who are beneficiaries of Nthola-Illola Irrigation Scheme, which is under GreenBelt Authority (GBA).

GBA Chief Executive Officer Eric Chidzungu said besides the establishment of the plant, the facility motivates farmers to produce high quality rice.

"This plant which will be producing 50 tons of rice per day is crucial in ensuring that our rice is of great quality, starting from the field up to processing which include value addition for farmers to maximize their gains," said Chidzungu.

Chidzungu then expressed gratitude to government for ensuring that the project is supported through the provision of financial resources.

In her remarks, Chairperson for Nthola-Illola Cooperative Scheme, Mbachi Nyasulu, said the processing plant will greatly improve rice business.

"On behalf of my fellow women here at Nthola-Illola, I express my gratitude to government for this factory, which is the first of its kind in the northern region," said Nyasulu.

Sub Traditional Authority Mwangolera said Karonga is a district which greatly depends on rice for food and economic development, hence the initiative will go a long way in improving lives of people in the district.