Chiefs demand enforcement of farm-gate prices

Local leaders in Machinga have demanded enforcement of farm-gate prices which were recently released by government.

Ministry of agriculture announced that the price of maize is set at 220 kwacha per kilogram up from 150 kwacha in 2021

Reacting to the prices Traditional Authority TA Mizinga promised to formulate taskforce comprising community policing and Area Development Committees among other structures to ensure that vendors are purchasing farm produce at a stipulated price

“Agricultural development and marketing cooperation ADMARC to open its market early this year as one way of addressing challenges encountered by farmers when selling their products,” TA Mizinga

Machinga district chief agriculture Officer Feston Kwezani said this year his office will be conducting a deliberate visit to the field to ensure that vendors are adhering to the set farm gate prices

Kwezani said the council is using local structures such as district and area stakeholder panels to sensitise farmers on the minimum prices