LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) Board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba has described the outcry from farmers and maize traders over falling maize prices as justified and deeply concerning, warning that the situation could trigger food shortages if not urgently addressed.
Mkwezalamba said the sharp decline in maize prices has left many farmers and traders counting heavy losses, particularly those who purchased or produced maize before the price drop.
“If government cannot intervene, even by way of compensation, we are likely to experience hunger this year and next season.
“Farmers may shun growing maize for economic purposes because the returns are currently almost zero,” he said.
He pointed out that production costs remain significantly high, with fertiliser still selling at over K180,000 per 50kg bag on the open market.
Even government-subsidised fertiliser, he noted, is reportedly being resold illegally at around K140,000 per bag.
“The current maize prices do not tally with the investment farmers made,” Mkwezalamba said, adding that while lower prices may appear politically attractive to consumers who did not grow the crop, they are devastating to producers and traders.
He further observed that some of the affected farmers accessed loans under the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) and the Mega Farm programme.
With the slump in maize prices, many are now struggling to repay their loans and risk further impoverishment.
Mkwezalamba has since appealed to government, NEEF and the Mega Farm Unit to exercise flexibility in loan repayment enforcement.
While authorities have issued a general 60-day repayment notice, he called for special consideration for farmers who genuinely borrowed funds for agricultural production and have been directly affected by what he termed “cosmetic” maize price reductions.
He predicted that maize prices are likely to rise significantly by July, suggesting that current pricing trends may not be sustainable.
Despite the challenges, Mkwezalamba said the situation should serve as a wake-up call for farmers to diversify their crops to cushion themselves against market fluctuations.
He also encouraged farmers to consider crop insurance to safeguard their investments.
Insurance providers, he said, must actively engage farmers and offer flexible packages covering crops from planting through storage.
In the meantime, farmers and traders have been urged to protect their stored maize from weevils and other pests that could worsen their losses.
Mkwezalamba emphasized that government must rethink its support mechanisms, including possible compensation measures, to protect farmers ahead of the next growing season.
“If we are to remain food sufficient as a nation, deliberate steps must be taken now to secure our farmers and stabilize the sector,” he said.
