Chipata Farmers Ask Government To Raise Price Of Maize

The Chipata District Farmers Association have advised the government to raise the maize market floor price above K150, following the increased costs of maize production which they have incurred this season.

The coordinator of the Association, Virgil Malambo, commented on the rising prices of fertiliser which the farmers have had to pay to sustain the growth of their crop, subsequently requiring the farmers to sell their crop at a higher price to retain profits.

Fertiliser prices have increased by almost 50 percent from K380 to K550.

In a recent interview, Malambo commented on the dramatic price increase of maize from K110 which has happened in the space of a year since the 2019/2020 season.

“The cost of production was much lower as fertiliser was costing K380 then” he said.

Malambo also mentioned the costs incurred by the farmers as a result of the poor road terrain which they have to use to take their crop to the market. This comment comes after Lungu recently praised the infrastructure development which he has implemented during his time in government.   

A rise in prices is a result of inflation within the country, which has increased from 8.7% to 22.8% during the PF’s time in government, in spite of government targeting to keep inflation between 6-9%.  

Photo: Lusaka Times