By Arthur Kaludzu
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Rosa Fatch Mbilizi, on Tuesday presided over the official launch of a tree-planting exercise for the tobacco industry, held under the theme Sustainable Tobacco Production: Rooted in Trees and Forests, where she described the initiative as a positive development for the country.
She called on all Malawians to actively participate in tree planting, noting that environmental conservation is a shared national responsibility. The minister emphasised that tobacco remains vital to Malawi’s economic growth, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.Mbilizi further commended stakeholders in the tobacco industry for their commitment to restoring forests, saying such efforts are essential for the long-term sustainability of tobacco production. She stressed that protecting forests not only supports agriculture but also safeguards livelihoods that depend on natural resources.
Vice Board Chairperson of the Tobacco Commission, Commissioner Ebbie Mathanda, underscored the direct link between forests and tobacco production, warning that without adequate trees and forests, the industry cannot be sustained. She revealed that the exercise 
targets the planting of not less than 43,000 indigenous and fruit trees. Mathanda appealed to chiefs and other traditional leaders to protect existing forests and ensure the survival of newly planted trees.
targets the planting of not less than 43,000 indigenous and fruit trees. Mathanda appealed to chiefs and other traditional leaders to protect existing forests and ensure the survival of newly planted trees.Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Ntcheu Bwanje Constituency, Chigona Everson Thom Dickson, said the tree-planting initiative will help restore soil fertility and reduce the effects of drought in the valley. He expressed optimism that the exercise will bring long-term environmental and agricultural benefits to the area.
