President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has commended the use of irrigation schemes inorder to produce a lot of crops that can be used in the country and export it to other countries.

Chakwera made the remarks during a rally at Mpinganjira in Mangochi after crop inspection assignment at Nchisa in the same district.

He said, maize production in Mangochi District has reduced by six per cent this year due to the damage caused by the Tropical Storm Anna but government has prioritised irrigation farming to cover the deficit.

‘We want everyone to benefit because cyclone Anna and Gombe has destroyed a lot in the country,’ said Chakwera.

On corruption the president said, the country cannot progress if people steal from the government.

“We are not going to go far in this country if we continue to steal from the government instead of helping our relatives in this country because it’s the people’s tax.” He said

He has vowed to deal with corruption when financial year starts.

“The corruption in this country is going to change because we have changed the financial year which is going to start on 1 April and I am ready to sign the document when it comes on my desk,” he said.

Tomorrow, the president will be in Lilongwe to open this year’s tobacco marketing season at Kanengo Auction Floors.