President Lazarus Chakwera says Dedza district has the potential to contribute significantly  to the economy of the country and help Malawi achieve food security.

Speaking during his tour at Bwanje valley irrigation scheme Chakwera said the crop diversification in the district is impressive and crucial at a time Malawi is grappling with effects of climate change.

Addressing a gathering at the scheme Chakwera said: “There is need to increase machinery at the scheme so as to increase production and let farmers focus on other activities.”

He also encouraged farmers to work as cooperatives in order to benefit more.

Among other crops, Dedza farmers grow rice, maize, potatoes and tobacco

“If Malawi produces more, issues of malnutrition will be dealt with completely,” he said.

He encouraged other districts to draw lessons from Dedza.

Nonetheless, he expressed displeasure over some people who were burning charcoal at one of the sites he passed through saying this is bad for the environment.