Legumes Development Trust acting national research coordinator Justus Chintu says information gap among players remains a challenge crippling increased legume production.
He said on Monday in Dowa District during an orientation of stakeholders from the Central Region that loopholes in information sharing have the potential to create opportunities for smuggling.
Said Chintu: “There is low flow of information between producers, marketers and exporters. The information on what farmers produce does not reach other players in the value chain and farmers do not know where to sell what they produce.
“We feel this discussion will help to guide farmers, traders and marketers on what they can do to increase production in the country.”
He said legumes are an important crop for export, adding that the challenges farmers face need to be addressed to increase production.
African Institute of Corporate Citizenship coordinator Rejoice Mlozi Jenda observed that poor markets, lack of certified seed and pests and diseases affect production of legumes.
“It is important that farmers engage in contract farming and cooperative selling for them to realise better prices,” she said.
Farmers Union of Malawi programmes officer for policy research and partnerships Faith Milongo said the interaction will help to strengthen the legume sector while ensuring that farmers’ voices are heard.
“When farmers and other stakeholders come together, it helps to ensure that policies and programmes reflect the real challenges farmers face,” she said.
Chimombo said the interaction will help support practical solutions that can improve productivity and livelihoods.
The meeting was held to brainstorm the challenges facing value chain players in the production, marketing and value addition in the legume industry.
The Legumes Development Trust is implementing a legumes project with funding from International Fund for Agricultural Development
