<p>The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) has asked the People's Republic of China and other development partners to support Malawi in promoting irrigation Farming in the country.</p>
<p>Dodma Commissioner Moses Chimphepo said this during the official handover ceremony of 1,830 metric tonnes of rice which translate to 36,600 bags weighing 50 Kgs each from the government of China, in Lilongwe.</p>
<p>Chimphepo said Malawi continues facing climatic change effects characterized by dry spells among others, a development that needs people to be engaging in irrigation activities to ensure food security in their households.</p>
<p>He however commended China for its continued support towards people affected by various forms of disasters in the country.</p>
<p>Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Lu Xu said the humanitarian assistance signifies China's commitment to supporting Malawi through various sectors.</p>
<p>Lu Xu further said her government will consider support towards irrigation farming in its programmes for Malawi.</p>
<p>China has made the donation in response to the devastating effects of El Nino weather conditions experienced during 2023/2024 rainfall season, in three consignments which started arriving in Malawi in November 2024 and so far, Dodma has distributed the rice to 25,000 out of over 36,000 intended households (164,700 people) in various parts of the country.</p>
<p>Reported by Pemphero Malimba</p>
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