Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative CDEDI has expressed fear that a reduction in maize prices as by the minister of finance will have a huge impact on farmers.
The statement comes following a pronouncement by the Finance minister Joseph Mwanamvekha that by August this year, a 50-kilogramme bag of maize will be sold at K20 000.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe CDEDI Executive director Sylvester Namiwa said he would love if the maize would be sold at a price that can benefit both farmers and consumers.
Namiwa says with the current fertilizer prices, the cost of maize production remains too high for a bag of maize to be sold at K20, 000 as projected.
“There is no denying that low food prices, notably maize, pushes down inflation. But we believe that the onus is on government to ensure that it should not losethe plot of a people-centred government by just focusing on what the consumer will pay for maize without coming out clearly on strategies that will be equally attractive to those growing that maize. It will be naive and outright madness to base our economic plans on imported maize that we may perceive to be cheaper than growing our own. One thing we should never forget is that we are a sovereign State. And we must be seen to be as such in the use of the abundant natural resources we have, including the land on which we can grow food and cash crops to drive our economy”. Namiwa explained.
CDEDI has therefore urged the finance minister to take advantage of the ongoing Budget consultations to explain to the nation how he intends to balance the prevailing cost of production and the projected prices without being seen to be throwing a de-incentive to maize production.
Meanwhile CDEDI has disclosed that they have collected samples of cement in all the manufacturing companies in Malawi to confirm if they are not worth using for the water project in salima by Khato Civils.
“APM’s sentiments cannot go unnoticed, let alone un escalated, for the very
reason that they are touching on the very vice that is threatening the soul and spirit of the nation. Despite being evil, corruption affects the same people that are supposed to be protected in the first place” he added.
CDEDI has therefore said they will help president Mutharika in dealing with those engaged in corrupt practices by exposing them.
About The Author
