By Burnett Munthali
Chair of Malawi’s Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture Sameer Suleman, has sharply criticized the Tonse Alliance government for failing to take proactive measures to prevent an impending hunger crisis.
Suleman’s remarks come amid rising concerns over food insecurity in the country, exacerbated by factors such as erratic weather patterns and soaring fertilizer prices.
Suleman emphasizes that despite previous warnings, the government has not adequately prepared for the agricultural challenges that Malawi faces.
He notes that the rising cost of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs has severely impacted farmers’ ability to produce sufficient food, which could lead to significant shortages in the coming months.
Suleman stresses that the government’s failure to anticipate and mitigate these issues could result in widespread hunger and economic instability.
Suleman has a history of vocal advocacy regarding agricultural issues.
He recently exposed a significant scandal involving the Affordable Input Program (AIP), where MK30 billion meant for fertilizer procurement was misappropriated, leaving the Ministry of Agriculture without the necessary supplies.
This scandal, Suleman argues, is a clear indication of systemic problems within the government’s handling of agricultural resources.
To address the looming hunger crisis, Suleman suggests several immediate actions.
First, he advocates for a temporary ban on maize exports to ensure that local needs are met before surplus grains are sold abroad.
This measure aims to stabilize domestic food supplies and prices.
Second, he calls for increased transparency and accountability in the management of agricultural programs to prevent corruption and misallocation of resources.
Moreover, Suleman urges the government to expedite the implementation of the Fertilizer Bill, which aims to regulate the fertilizer industry more effectively and support smallholder farmers.
He believes that with proper legislative backing and oversight, Malawi can overcome the current challenges and build a more resilient agricultural sector.
The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, under Suleman’s leadership, continues to press for these reforms, hoping to avert a severe food crisis and ensure sustainable agricultural development in Malawi.
