President Professor Peter Mutharika says investing in agriculture and irrigation will go a long way in improving food security and country’s export base.

The Malawi leader, made the remark in Lilongwe when he awarded the students with certificates, diplomas and degrees during the second graduation ceremony by the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).

Mutharika challenged the graduates to implement the knowledge and skills acquired from the university and create jobs for others.

“As you were trained to be entrepreneurs you have to make sure that you have ventured in any business in so doing you will create job opportunities for others.

“There is need to improve agriculture, water development and climate change management and LUANAR has a critical role to play in this agenda,” Mutharika, who is Chancellor for LUANAR, said.

Mutharika urged the graduates to become farmers in order to contribute more to the agriculture sector.

The president however criticized the mindset that most Malawians have that farming is for those who are illiterate.

“In European countries those people who attended higher education practice farming,” he said.

During the graduation ceremony 608 students were awarded Diplomas, Bachelor Degrees and PhDs in different fields.

LUANAR is composed of Bunda campus and Natural Resources (NRC) from the NRC campus.