Deputy Secretary General (DSG) of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Catherine Gotani Hara, has criticized vendors for fleecing smallholder farmers by buying soya beans at prices lower than the government set farm-gate price of K800.00.
Gotani Hara also expressed President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s disappointment that vendors continue denying farmers their right to enjoy the fruits from their labour by offering lower prices for their produce.
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Deputy Secretary General, who is also Speaker of National Assembly, made the sentiments at a public rally held at Vibangalala Full Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku Jere in Mzimba.
Hara said President Chakwera has received reports that vendors in Mzimba South and other parts of the country are offering low prices for the farm produce.
“It is sad to note that vendors are buying farm produce especially soya beans below government-set farm gate price. I will report this to the Minister of Agriculture Hon Sam Dalitso Kawale. Definitely, something will be done,” he said, adding that the action by vendors is against Malawi Government policy on commodity pricing.
Speaking earlier, Member of Parliament for Mzimba South, Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere, commended President Chakwera for development initiatives currently being implemented in his area.
Other people who attended the development rally included Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Liyana Kakhobwe, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Madalitso Kazombo.
