ADD says chiefs can end farmers’ exploitation
Kasungu Agricultural Development Division (ADD) programme manager George Kapelemera has asked chiefs to help in ending the role of vendors who buy produce below government set prices.
He said chiefs are better placed to deal with vendors since they operate in their communities.
Kapelemera made the appeal on Thursday in Nkhata Bay during Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division (MZADD) field day where he was the guest of honour.
He said before government releases prices for crops, in some communities vendors start buying produce from farmers.
Said Kapelemera: “I must say here that so far there has not been any communication from government regarding minimum set prices for crops; hence, it is illegal for any vendor to start buying produce from farmers.
“These vendors take advantage of farmers’ vulnerability and offer poor prices. It’s painful to see farmers complain yearly about poverty despite having a good harvest.”
In his remarks, Traditional Authority Timbiri asked government to release funds for State produce trader Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) to start buying crops from farmers.
