Sosten Gwengwe, Minister of Trade and Industry says the illegal importation of goods similar to what smallholder farmers in the country are producing such as flour, is frustrating Malawi’s value-addition agenda.
The minister made the observation in Lilongwe at National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM) 27th annual general meeting.
Gwengwe was reacting to concerns by Chief Executive Officer for NASFAM, Betty Chinyamunyamu who apart from smuggling, lamented the lack of low-interest loans with flexible repayment schedules which she said is also hampering the growth of value addition by most cooperatives in agriculture.
In response, Gwengwe pledged government action by reviewing the 2018 Control of Goods Act to restrict the importation of goods similar to those local farmers are producing.
He also urged stakeholders to disseminate information on available agricultural loans and facilities to support farmers in expanding their agribusinesses.
By Isaac Jali
