DOWA-(MaraviPost)-European Union (EU) Deputy Ambassador to Malawi Aurellia Valtat on Friday, February 28, 2020 challenged Malawians to embrace fruit trees in the ongoing growing season.
Valtat observes that fruit trees are capable of averting malnutrition while servicing environmental degradation among locals.
She was speaking during the planting trees exercise jointly organised by the EU and Oxfam at Ntanilla village in Dowa district.
Over 3, 000 different types of fruit trees including oranges and mangoes were planted.
“Fruit trees have proven to be effective serving local on reducing malnutrition while on the other hand providing shelter among locals. With fruit trees, we expect much support from villages with the mind that will bear edible fruits.
“What has remained is the locals to look after the trees for its intended purposes. I will come again in next three years to see the progress of what we have planted today,” challenges Valtat.
Dowa District Council’s Director for Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Noel Limbani conceded struggling to manage the trees to maturity.
Limbani however commended traditional leaders for introducing bylaws that help punish those found destroying the planted trees.
Senior Group Mtsiriza, Traditional Authority (T.A) Mkukula acknowledged the presence of stunted children in his village and seized the opportunity calling on more organisations to support.
Mtsiriza lauded EU for spearheading fruit trees to reduce malnutrition with an assurance of looking after planted trees.
The Senior group however complained of his people drinking water from unprotected wells.
He therefore urged EU to assist with means that will facilitate the supply of potable water.
Valtat assured villagers of support towards access to portable water.
