By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, February 25, Mana. Mangochi Municipality Council has from Monday banned sell of green maize within the council’s jurisdiction until the harvesting period.

Interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer for the municipality, Ernest Kadzokoya, said the ban is aimed at preventing theft of maize in fields following increased reported cases about the malpractice.

Kadzokoya urged residents to observe the ban, citing that anyone who wants to sell green maize must go and obtain permit from the council.

"We have indeed banned selling of green maize within the municipality. There has been increased cases of maize theft and to prevent further cases of this nature, we thought of effecting the ban," said Kadzokoya.

According to Kadzokoya, any person found selling maize during the period will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly as she or he will be contravening the law.

Reacting to the ban, Anthony Chilenje, a farmer, said the ban is timely.

He commended the council for issuing the ban citing it will enable farmers to harvest more yields as theft cases will be minimised.

He added that selling of green maize also contributes to hunger as some people are tempted to  sell the commodity to vendors in exchange for money during this lean season.

Meanwhile, one of the vendors who sells roasted maize at Soko area has described the ban as unfortunate citing that his family depends on the business for survival.