Mutharika said the importance of trees and forests in general cannot be overemphasized as they bring fresh air, rains, source of energy, and water.

Mutharika said it is therefore important to preserve all forest reserves.

“Planting trees alone is meaningless if they are not cared and as such it is important to conserve all planted trees,” said Mutharika.

Mutharika further said his government has interest to promote food security, bitumized roads, safe drinking water, electricity, health care, secondary education and community technical colleges in rural areas.

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Binton Kutsaira said the country is expected to plant 62 million trees this year.

“Malawi is on track to achieve the 4.5 million hectares of landscape it pledged to restore through planting of trees and regeneration by 2030 and so far 1. 3 million hectares have been restored,” said Kutsaira.

This year’s theme for tree planting exercise is “Trees and Forests for transformed landscape and livelihoods.

Mutharika planted Mulanje Cedar and mango trees at Thuchira health centre at Nkando.