Ministry Sets Minimum Farm Gate Prices, Maize at K650 Per Kg
Effective implementation and monitoring of the minimum pricing policy will be crucial in translating the announced measures into tangible benefits for the farming communities across the country.
CHITIPA, Malawi - The Ministry of Agriculture has released the minimum farm gate prices for the 2023/2024 growing season, setting the cost of the staple grain maize at K650 per kilogram, a significant increase from K500 last season, writes Victor Musongole.
In a press release signed by Secretary for Agriculture Dickxie Kampani, chillies topped the list with a minimum price of K2,000 per kilogram, while shelled groundnuts and pure beans will fetch K1,200. Rice was priced at K650 per kilogram.
"All concerned buyers should obtain licenses from Agricultural Development Divisions and the Director of Crop Development at the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters," the release stated, advising agro-dealers, processors, and other buyers to purchase crops at no less than the stipulated minimum prices.
Laston Mulungu, a farmer from Lufita EPA in Chitipa, welcomed the price adjustments, stating, "The prices are good for farmers, but the government should make sure buyers are buying at the minimum prices, as vendors are already in markets buying different crops."
The ministry's move aims to ensure fair remuneration for farmers' produce, although concerns remain about the enforcement of minimum pricing and the potential for exploitation by unscrupulous buyers.
Agricultural stakeholders have long advocated for farm gate price reforms to incentivize agricultural production and safeguard the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, who constitute the backbone of Malawi's predominantly agrarian economy.
Effective implementation and monitoring of the minimum pricing policy will be crucial in translating the announced measures into tangible benefits for the farming communities across the country.