Mlombwa, Jumbe Differs

By: Bernadettah Kaphwiyo

 

The Indigenous Business Association of Malawi-IBAM has appealed to Malawi government to consider making the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation-ADMARC  a sole trader dealing with Maize in the country.

Speaking with The Malawi Star IBAM president Mike Mlombwa urged government to find means of changing service delivery of the statutory body.

He said the recent malpractices done by private traders who are hoarding maize can be curbed by putting in strict measures.

“It’s high time government should impose a stable price to Maize to deal with these greedy private sellers who are selling the grain at a higher price. Government should make a thorough search on private traders hoarding maize and impose price tag, “said Mlombwa.

However, chairman for parliamentary Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Felix Jumbe trashed the suggestion citing it will be against the supreme law of the country that allows the corporation to enjoy its monopoly status and managing price support systems.

According to Jumbe, the country has a liberated economy and there is no need to put restriction when in trade.

“The only thing that can be done is to give back ADMARC to the people and allow complete market liberalization. These way farmers will be allowed to set their own ADMARC market price for fair businesses,” said Jumbe.

He added that ADMARC should be operated by cooperatively small farmers.

Meanwhile the government is still buying maize from outside the country.