Malawi Parliament delinks Lilongwe University from Aret, research station

Malawi Parliament on Wednesday delinked the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) from two scientific research stations.

This was after minister of Agriculture Allan Chiyembekeza presented the bill to the 193 strong House for approval.

Legislators from both the government and opposition sides of the House temporarily put aside their political differences and overwhelmingly passed the bill, the first in this seating of parliament.

Chiyembekeza explained that this means the university will now concentrate on finding ways to improve tobacco production in the country.

This means Agriculture Research Extentsion (Aret) and Chitedze Research Station will revert to its original status.

Members of parliament, while applauding the government for change of heart on the matter, said it was a gross mistake for the government to combine the three which they said compromised the quality of their tobacco research.

The bill awaits the signature of President Peter Mutharika for it to become effective.