By Wendy Mkandawire
Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, has refuted reports that it has not yet started purchasing maize from farmers.
Minister of Agriculture, Roza Fatch Mbilizi made the clarification in Parliament on Monday following concerns raised by Dedza Mphuzi MP Emmanuel Mawindo, who appealed to government through ADMARC to expedite the process.
Mbilizi assured the House that government is currently buying maize and other farm produce from farmers.
She said President Peter Mutharika has directed the ministry to purchase adequate maize in preparation for El Niño, following a warning from the Department of Meteorological Services.
“The government is purchasing maize and other farm produce from farmers at the government-recommended price,” Mbilizi said.
She further stated that government has allocated K60 billion to ADMARC in the 2026/2027 financial year to facilitate the purchase of farm produce.
According to Mbilizi With this allocation, government will manage to buy enough produce from farmers in the ongoing season.
Reacting to the minister’s statement, Mawindo said he is not satisfied with the slow pace of purchasing farm produce.
He said the delay has forced people in his area to sell their produce to middlemen at lower prices.
Meanwhile, Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamveka disclosed that government has also allocated K100 billion to the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) for maize purchases.
