Support farm gate prices,says Chief Kawinga

Paramount Chief Kawinga has asked traditional leaders in Machinga District to support government in preventing traders from buying produce from farmers at prices lower than the recommended farm gate prices.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Kawinga said there was need for collaboration among stakeholders to enforce adherence to the new prices.

“Traditional leaders should be in the forefront ensuring that farmers get reward from their sweat. This year, our farmers have faced many challenges, including Tropical Cyclone Freddy and high prices of farm inputs. We have to protect them from unscrupulous traders,” he said.

Kawinga suggested formulation of a task force in communities to work with the police to ensure that vendors comply with the prices.

Machinga District Council chairperson Richard Matenje said they are committed to ensuring that traders comply with government’s set prices for farm produce.

Liwonde Police Station officer-in-charge Ulemu Kalua said they have embarked on patrols in the district to monitor the situation.

He also asked community members to report any suspicious vendors found buying commodities at lower prices or using uncertified scales.

“We are conducting awareness campaigns on the new prices and I am pleased to say that communities have understood the message,” said Kalua.

Ministry of Agriculture three weeks released farm-gate prices for the 2023 season with the minimum price for maize set at K500 per kilogramme (kg).