from MAVHUTO BANDA in Lilongwe, Malawi
Malawi Bureau
LILONGWE, (CAJ News) – PRESIDENT Peter Mutharika has denounced the practice of maize hoarding by some Malawians, which he said was driving up prices and exploits vulnerable citizens.
The condemnation comes amid shortages of the staple grain but which he said his new government was addressing.
“Let us love our country. Let’s not only think about the Kwacha while our brothers and sisters are dying of hunger,” he said.
Kwacha is the local currency.
“How was I supposed to know that people are hoarding maize so the government can buy it from them?” Mutharika quipped.
The government has secured an agreement with the neighbouring Zambia to import 200 000 metric tonnes of maize, with deliveries starting this week.
Malawi has in recent years suffered droughts and floods, resulting in poor yields.
Meanwhile Joseph Mwanamvekha, the country’s Minister of Finance, is in the United States to engage in discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other key stakeholders to boost Malawi’s economic recovery and financial stability.
Mutharika reaffirmed his pledge to support farmers ahead of the upcoming planting season.
He assured Malawians that his administration will ensure sufficient fertiliser is available so that no farmer is left behind.
Malawi and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have been in power since earlier this month.
– CAJ News