NFRA Targets December Deadline
By Hanis Ogrieve Ntapasha
In a bid to enhance food security and support smallholder farmers, the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) has ramped up its maize purchasing initiative through mobile markets across the country. Speaking during a recent tour by the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Cooperation, and State Enterprises at the Chamama mobile market in Kasungu, NFRA CEO George Macheka highlighted the success of this initiative. He noted that mobile markets have provided much-needed relief to farmers, allowing them to sell their maize to the agency, thus preventing illegal exports.
The agency is purchasing maize from smallholder farmers at MK750 per kilogram and has already acquired 10,000 metric tons nationwide since the program began. Chamama market alone has exceeded its target, purchasing 3,500 metric tons against the initial goal of 3,000 metric tons. This progress reflects NFRA’s commitment to ensuring that the country has enough maize stocks to remain food secure.
NFRA currently holds over 50,000 metric tons of maize in its reserves and aims to reach a national target of 120,000 metric tons by December 2024. Macheka expressed confidence in meeting this goal, thanks to the strong performance of the mobile markets.
“Since the introduction of the mobile markets, we’ve seen an overwhelming response from farmers. The Chamama market has already exceeded its target, and our other markets in Kazomba, Mzimba, Chitipa, and Lilongwe are also performing well, particularly Chitipa and Chamama. These mobile markets have made it easier for farmers to sell their maize, without needing to travel to our depots in Kanengo or Mzuzu,” Macheka said.
He reassured farmers in Chamama that NFRA would continue to purchase maize despite rumors of financial challenges. He emphasized that the agency’s commitment is to ensure all Malawians have access to sufficient food throughout the year.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Cooperation, and State Enterprises, Binton Kuntsaila, praised NFRA for its efforts. He emphasized that the mobile market initiative not only boosts food security but also improves the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by offering fair prices and reducing illegal exports.
“The NFRA is doing everything possible to ensure the nation has enough food. Their two-pronged approach—offering contracts for farmers to deliver maize to Kanengo and employing mobile markets—deserves recognition. Farmers are benefitting from better prices, which is uplifting their economic status,” Kuntsaila said.
He also commended the current management at NFRA, expressing hope that the initiative will contribute to stable food supplies across all regions of Malawi.
Alick Dembule, a smallholder farmer from Chamama, echoed the praise for NFRA, stating that the mobile markets have provided a reliable and nearby venue for selling maize at favorable prices. This, in turn, has enabled farmers to plan for the next growing season.
“It’s a great opportunity for us farmers. The good prices mean we have money in our pockets, and we can invest in buying fertilizers for the next season. This initiative is not only benefitting us but also ensuring food security for areas that might otherwise face shortages,” Dembule said.
As NFRA continues its maize purchasing drive, the agency remains focused on meeting its December target, ensuring that Malawi is well-prepared to tackle any potential food shortages in the coming months.
