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Malawi Maize Farmers Suffer Grain Prices

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Quadri Adejumo
New Update
Farmers sell their markets
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Image Credit: MW nation

The absence of the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) on the market has exposed maize farmers in Malawi to unscrupulous traders who are taking advantage of the situation by buying the staple grain at prices significantly lower than the recommended minimum farm gate price. Nation on Sunday conducted spot checks across the country's markets and found that many traders are purchasing maize at prices ranging from K300 to K400 per kilogramme (kg), well below the government's recommended price of K500 per kg.

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Farmers Struggle Without Price Enforcement and Admarc's Presence

Experts and the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture attribute this problem to the lack of a legal framework that can effectively enforce minimum prices and the delayed opening of Admarc markets. Admarc plays a crucial role in stabilizing prices as it adheres to recommended prices. However, the absence of Admarc in the market has left farmers with no choice but to sell their produce to private traders who offer lower prices.

Farmers across various districts expressed their frustrations with the current situation. Gift Nazombe from Traditional Authority Jenala in Phalombe District lamented that the urgent need for money has compelled him to sell his maize below the recommended price, resulting in difficulty recovering the investments made in maize farming. He sold four tonnes of grain at K350 per kg, far below the ideal price. Similar sentiments were shared by Maria Massa from Chikwawa District, who had to dispose of some maize to traders at K400 per kg due to immediate financial obligations.

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Farmers Face Price Disparity and Limited Market Options

In different regions, farmers are compelled to sell their maize at prices below the recommended level. Jonathan Dzinkambani and other farmers in Chikuli, Blantyre, are selling maize at K400 per kg, while farmers in Ntcheu District are also selling at the same price. Andrew Milanzi in Ntcheu mentioned that on good days, they manage to sell maize at K450 per kg, which provides some hope for making a profit. Farmers in Mitundu, Lilongwe, such as Maness Banda and Enipher Phiri, face prices ranging from K350 to K400 per kg. The situation is echoed by Aaron Nhlane, a farmer based in Mzuzu, who highlighted that a 50kg bag of maize is selling between K17,500 and K20,000 in the city.

Admarc's spokesperson, Agness Chikoko, explained that the delay in opening markets is due to a lack of funding and directives from the Ministry of Agriculture. Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale acknowledged the delay and mentioned that Admarc will be funded soon to purchase maize, as the grain's moisture content is still high. However, there is a lack of clarity on the measures being taken to protect farmers from unscrupulous traders.

The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Sameer Suleman, identified a lack of political will and a legal framework as key challenges. Suleman emphasized the need for Admarc and the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to promptly start purchasing maize from farmers. Concerns were raised about the approved K12 billion budget allocated for maize purchases by Admarc and NFRA, as no visible progress has been made in implementing these plans.

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