The Parliamentary Cluster on Agriculture, Irrigation, and Natural Resources has commended the Greenbelt Authority (GBA) for its productive efforts at the Chikwawa Maize Scheme in Salima District.

During a visit to the 200-hectare farm, the committee sought to assess Greenbelt's rainfed maize production in reference to reports the Authority submitted to parliament.

Speaking during the visit, Co-chairperson of the committee, Ulemu Chilapondwa, expressed complete satisfaction with the progress, disclosing that the committee was initially sceptical until it visited the field.

"We are very impressed. Initially, we thought what GBA reported to Parliament was only on paper, but having visited the farm, we are happy with the progress. We commit to lobbying for more support towards such ventures through the Greenbelt Authority," said Chilapondwa.

He further encouraged the Authority to maximize land coverage for quick achievement of its mandate.

GBA’s maize production is earmarked for the Strategic Grain Reserves, reinforcing the government's efforts to enhance national food security.

The Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Eric Dudley Chidzungu, reaffirmed GBA’s commitment to large-scale production, emphasising it will work hard to fulfil.

Last year, maize cultivated at the Chikwawa Scheme was successfully supplied to the National Food Reserve Agency, further demonstrating the Authority’s capacity to contribute to national food stability.