A group of farmers under the banner of the Mega Farmers Union has called on the government to lift the ban on the export of farm produce to enable farmers to sell their products in foreign markets, where they can fetch better prices and earn meaningful profits.
The call is contained in a petition the union intends to present to various duty bearers, including the State President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture, and the Malawi Human Rights Commission, among others.
Speaking during a media briefing in Mzuzu, Mega Farmers Union President Vasco Madhlopa, said farmers want the export ban lifted so they can realize better returns on their investments, amidst lower prices offered in local markets.
“Farmers are frustrated. If you look at the prices of farm produce, they are very low while the prices of fertilizer are high. The cost of production is very high and the revenue they are getting now is too small and very disappointing,” Madhlopa said.
He added: “That is why farmers are asking for the lifting of the ban on the export of farm produce. They want access to markets for the produce they are just keeping in their homes. Farmers want to be free to sell wherever they want, as long as that money is coming into Malawi, they see no harm in that.”
Other demands contained in the petition, which the union plans to have signed by 10 million people, include seeking lawful intervention to address issues affecting farmers, food security, and public confidence in agricultural institutions.
Additionally, the farmers are pushing for the resignation of the Minister of Agriculture, a review of loan recovery actions taken against farmers who experienced crop failure, an investigation into crop insurance administration, and the protection of farmers’ personal information.
“The other thing the government has to consider is writing off farmers’ loans, whether from MAIIC, MERDEF, and any other government lending institution. Farmers are also asking for the reduction of fertilizer prices to around MWK70, 000,” Madhlopa said.
Madhlopa said they intend to collect all the required signatures within three days before presenting the petition to the relevant authorities.
He said they expect the authorities to act on the demands within seven days of receiving the petition.
“This petition will be submitted peacefully, voluntarily, and in the public interest. We expect the authorities to provide a written response within a reasonable period in accordance with applicable laws and administration procedures. Failure to respond to the demands is creating disaster,” he said.
