By Chisomo Phiri
National Bank of Malawi(NBM) and Centre for Agriculture Transformation (CAT) on Thursday signed a Memorundum of Understanding(MoU) to support the revamp of banana production in Mulanje and Thyolo districts.
Through the MoU,NBM will provide K90 million for two banana farming demonstration sites in the two districts where CAT and Ministry of Agriculture will collaborate to provide disease free banana suckers and production techniques.
In an interview with journalists after the partnership signing ceremony, NBM Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Harold Jiya said the initiative is meant to reduce pressure of banana importation that drains about $12 million a year for at least 20 000 metric tons.
On his part,CAT Executive Director, Macleod Nkhoma said the initiative will target unlimited number of farmers in the two districts which were once the country’s banana production hubs.
Following some banana disease that hit Mulanje and Thyolo,Malawi became predominantly banana importing nation, depending on Mozambique and Tanzania.