By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: The Government of Malawi has officially announced the minimum farm gate prices for strategic agricultural commodities for the 2024/25 farming season, a move aimed at protecting farmers and ensuring fair trade.  

The directive, which takes immediate effect, seeks to stabilize market conditions and safeguard the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the country.

The Ministry of Agriculture has made the announcement through a press release ordering all agro-dealers, agro-processors, and other stakeholders involved in the buying and selling of the key commodities to strictly adhere to the newly announced prices.

The set minimum farm gate price for maize, the country’s staple food is K1,050 per kg, rice-paddy at K1,200 per kg, finger millet and soya beans at 1,200 per kg, respectively, while the price for pure beans is at K2,500.

Shelled and non-shelled ground nuts are at K2,500 and K1,300 per kg respectively, while pigeon peas, cow peas, and sesame are at K1,100; K1,200; and K2,000 per kg, respectively.

The releases, which is signed by Secretary for Agriculture (Irrigation) Eng. Godfrey Mamba, says purchases below the stated minimum prices will be considered illegal and subject to penalties.

The Malawi government has also introduced a licensing requirement for all individuals and businesses intending to purchase farm commodities.

According to the statement prospective buyers must obtain licenses from the respective offices of Programme Managers in Karonga, Mzuzu, Kasungu, Lilongwe, Salima, Machinga, Blantyre, and the Shire Valley Agricultural Development Divisions.

Licenses are also available at the office of the Director of Crop Development, located at the Malawi-China Agriculture Technical Cooperation facility near the NRC Campus.

The Ministry has emphasized that these measures are designed to ensure transparency, enhance market discipline, and promote sustainable agricultural growth.