Some farmers in Chadiza district are reported to be selling their maize in Malawi.
Kandabwako Ward Councillor, Sacha Banda has revealed the development, stating that this is due to delay by FRA, the Food Reserve Agency to start buying the maize.
Mr. Banda also told Breeze News in Chadiza that farmers prefer to cross the border with their produce because they are being offered better buying prices.
He explained that private buyers in Chadiza are buying a 50 kilogramme bag of maize at 57 Kwacha 50 Ngwee, which is way below what is being offered by buyers in Mchinji district.
And Mr. Banda expressed concern that government is losing money by paying FRA workers who are just sitting idle doing nothing since the maize marketing has delayed to open.
However, on Wednesday FRA announced that it will start buying maize next week on Monday at 70 Kwacha for a 50 kilogramme bag.
The agency will purchase 90,000 metric tonnes of maize from farmers in Eastern Province this marketing season.
Some farmers in Chadiza smuggle maize into Malawi because of better buying prices.
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