LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) is set for a major operational shift as its new leadership moves to strengthen food security systems and improve storage capacity across Malawi.
New NFRA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bruce Munthali says the institution is entering a demanding phase that requires hard work and strict focus on its mandate.
He said the agency is not in a comfort zone but is expected to deliver on national expectations, especially in safeguarding strategic food reserves for the country.
Munthali disclosed that NFRA will soon begin large-scale procurement of maize alongside other essential food items such as rice and beans to build reliable national stocks.
The former Tobacco Commission (TC) Chief Executive Officer says the focus is not only on maize but also on ensuring that Malawians have access to protein-based foods as part of a balanced national food security strategy.
According to Munthali, maintaining and upgrading storage facilities is a top priority to ensure that silos and warehouses remain in proper condition and meet required standards.
He said quality preservation is critical because poor storage systems and leakages often lead to food losses, including mould and rotting of maize.
Munthali further revealed that NFRA plans to expand storage infrastructure across all regions, with particular attention to the Southern Region before the onset of the rainy season.
He therefore lauded Mutharika for the appointment, “I will serve the position with integrity to meet our President Mutharika and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government agenda”.
He added that similar investments will be made in the Eastern, Northern and Central regions to ensure balanced national coverage and faster emergency response capacity.
The NFRA leadership also plans to introduce income-generating activities such as fumigation services, weighing services and value addition in maize handling operations.
Munthali said the agency is also exploring maize flour production and sack recycling as part of efforts to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
He assured Malawians that the institution has strengthened quality assurance systems and daily monitoring mechanisms to prevent any cases of food spoilage, saying no recent major rotting incidents have been recorded under current supervision.
Qualifications for Dr Bruce Munthali:
Ph.D (Weed Science) University of Malawi, Master of Science (Agronomy) University of Nottingham,UK B.Sc. Agriculture, University of Malawi, Cerrt.Production& Marketing, China, One Village, One Product(OVOP)Japan, ConflictManagementZimbabwe, Extension Management Denmark
Work experience;
Joined the Ministry of Agriculture at the age of twenty two (22) years after attaining a Diploma in Agriculture with credit from the University of Malawi.
His first appointment as an Agricultural Extension Advisor under a Scottish Agricultural Expert attached to Ministry of Agriculture.
He later went back to University of Malawi and to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.
He was immediately promoted to Agricultural Officer (PO) in charge of Field Crops.
There after quickily moved through the ranks to Controller of Agricultural Extension and Technical Serviçes (CETS)P2.
He was then appointed the first National Coordinator of One Village One Product (OVOP).
The late President appointed Dr Munthali as Deputy Director General for State Residences.
He was eventually promoted to Director General for State Residences.
President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika appointed him as Chair Person of National Council for Higher Education (NTCHE) in 2018 , where he served up to 2020.
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