By Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota, September 1, Mana: The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) says Illovo Maize production initiative in response to Cyclone Freddy under the mega farms project has potential to improve the country’s food security.

Speaking during activities surrounding the company's Corporate Social Responsibility, LUANAR lecturer who is also team leader for the initiative, Thomas Lubeni Nyanda, commended Illovo Sugar Limited for providing free land and water for the initiative.

Nyanda said the initiative started after cyclone freddy hit the nation and impacted negatively on infrastructure and Agricultural production leaving thousands homeless and at high risk of starvation.

"We are providing technical expertise on the farms and government is providing the funds. We hope that about 618 metric tons of maize will be produced on 103 hectares of land provided," said Nyanda

Manager for Illovo Sugar Limited, Dwangwa Estate, McLean Debwe, said Illovo will continue to assist government in different interventions and at the same time creating a thriving Malawian community.

Senior Chief Kanyenda of the area, said government should do more on the initiative to fulfill its agenda of creating a self-reliant nation. He commended Illovo sugar limited for taking a leading role in the initiative.

During the day, various officials and the media, visited projects that have been done this year under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility around Dwangwa.

The projects include construction of a Mortuary and a brick fence at Nkhunga health Centre, construction of a brick fence at Nkhunga Community Day Secondary School, a donation of desks at Majiga primary school and construction of classroom blocks and teacher houses at Majiga Community Day Secondary School.