By Chisomo Phiri
In a call for greater collaboration across sectors, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) George Macheka,has emphasized the crucial role of coordinated efforts in ensuring the successful procurement of maize.
Speaking on Friday at NFRA offices in Lilongwe, Macheka highlighted the Malawi Government’s initiatives aimed at empowering local farmers, from the grassroots level, to build a more prosperous and inclusive nation.
He expressed gratitude to the Malawi Government, the World Bank, and FDH Bank (plc) for their unwavering financial support, which has been instrumental in the successful maize procurement this year.
Macheka revealed that the NFRA, through various depots and mobile buying spots, has secured over 17,000 metric tons of maize.
On his part, Albert Nyirongo, a member of the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM), praised the NFRA for its direct engagement with farmers, noting that this initiative would help reduce illegal vending and the exportation of maize by foreign traders.
Nyirongo also highlighted the cost-effectiveness of mobile markets, which have saved farmers K1.5 million kwacha in transportation costs.
Additionally, the initiative has created job opportunities for locals involved in maize standardization and fumigation.
Currently, Kazomba and Chamama NFRA depots have recruited around 75 locals on a contract basis, contributing to local employment.
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