Lack of markets worries Nkhata Bay farmers

Farmers in Nkhata Bay District have complained that lack of markets forces them to sell their produce at low prices, thereby making little profit.

The farmers said this during the third agriculture fair the district held on Tuesday and Wednesday

In an interview, Chiwanda Fish Conservation Group member Grace Banda said vendors buy chambo  at low prices from farmers, making it difficult for them to realise much profit.

“We have big chambo  but we sell them at a give-away price to vendors. The situation would be different if we had more markets,” she said.

Another farmer, Alick Mwenda, said the situation was the same with ginger.

“We too, ginger farmers just sell our produce cheaply as there are few markets around,” he said.

Nkhata Bay District director of agriculture and natural resources Yaz Nyirenda said his office will link farmers to potential buyers.

“That is why we have this fair. It is one platform where farmers and buyers will share information on goods they want,” he said.

Nyirenda further said the fair will expose farmers to new developments in technologies, marketing and financial arrangements.

“Agriculture fair promotes lasting partnerships among various business players in the sector as they share ideas and experiences,” he said.

The fair’s theme was Promotion of Value Addition, Quality and Marketing: Key to Sustainable Food, Nutrition and Income Security.