Mutharika lift ban on Malawi maize exports after Admarc visit

President Peter Mutharika has  now allowed Malawi local farmers to resume exporting maize after a two-year ban following a larger-than-expected 2017 maize harvest.

Mutharika said on Monday that dthe ban has been lifted with immediate effect.

He made the announcement when he made an unannounced visit to Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) Head Offices in Limbe Monday morning. The President held a joint meeting with Admarc and National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) management.

“I’m convinced that we have now enough maize in stock, yes we have plenty, therefore, we have decided to lift the ban on maize export. This is an executive order and I urge the Chief Secretary to gazzette this,” said Mutharika.

According to Presidential spokesperson, Mgeme Kalilani, President Mutharika has also committed to providing Admarc with more funds to procure the commodity from farmers across the country.

Malawi said in February maize production would rise a third in 2017 to 3.2 million tonnes.

But  in April Mutharika said his administration would neither lift the maize export ban.

“I know the people who are giving pressure to government to export the maize but we will not bow down,” he said.

Mutharika  said in 2003 the government of Bakili Muluzi exported maize to Kenya and a year later Malawi was hit hard by food shortages.

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