Government starts issuing maize export licences

Agriculturists have advised government to make thorough research before proceeding with the idea to export surplus maize to other countries.

The advice has been made following ministry of trade’s statement announcing the start of maize export licensing issuance.

According to the ministry’s spokesperson Mayeso Msokera the decision has been made to allow the economy off take excess stocks of maize from last year

“Msokera said the maize export licences will only be issued to exporters with proof of verifiable maize stocks from the previous agricultural season

“The licences to be granted will have a validity period of 3 months from the date of issue,”Msokera

While commending government for the decision, agriculture experts advise it to critically analyze the decision before implementation to avoid recurrence of issues of food insecurities.

In an interview agriculturist Taman Nkhono-Mvula said “government should have waited until the harvest season rather than act upon estimates.”

However, Farmers Union of Malawi President Madalitso Njolomole said government should continue with the idea but must not export all the said surplus.