Greenbelt Authority (GA) has stamped an indication to start developing a $40 million (about K31 billion) irrigation rice scheme in Karonga District in May this year, as confirmed by GA acting Chief Executive Officer Amon Mluwira.

The scheme, at Traditional Authority (T/A) Kyungu, is aimed at  developing 1,000 hectares of irrigable land which will produce 5,000 metric tonnes of rice annually. “Of course a section of that 1000 hectares has some issues. That is why we have constantly been engaging with the chiefs and the locals as well. But on the other potion, around 500 hectares, we do not have issues and we will proceed with the development of the scheme,” he said.

The project will see farmers forming an association which will enter into partnership with GA and create a joint venture company to manage the scheme, as the proposed shareholding is 49% for the Authority and 51% association of farmers.