By Suleman Chitera
Maize prices have continued to fall across the country, dropping below levels recorded earlier this year and reinforcing concerns about weak farm-gate returns ahead of the next production season.
According to the latest market data, the price of maize is now about two percent lower than the K1,300 per kilogramme recorded in January last year. Prices have also declined compared to January and April this year, reflecting increased availability of the staple grain on the market.
The report shows that prices are trending downwards most sharply in the Southern Region and remain lowest in the Central Region. On average, maize is selling at about K1,600 per kilogramme in the South, compared to around K2,000 per kilogramme in both the North and Central regions.
Analysts expect prices to dip further in the coming months as more maize enters the market from private traders and food assistance programmes, a development likely to exert additional downward pressure on prices.
Food systems commentator Keness Ganga says the price decline signals a surplus of maize supplies.
“This drop is an indication that there is a quantity bonanza of maize on the market,” Ganga said.
However, he warned that persistently low prices could discourage farmers from producing maize in the next season, as reduced returns undermine incentives for investment in the crop.
Ganga argued that government intervention should focus on reducing production costs rather than relying on price controls.
“What the government needs to do is to ensure that farm inputs such as seed and fertiliser are made cheaper. Otherwise, many farmers will be discouraged from growing maize,” he said.
The concerns come amid government plans to set a farm-gate price of K20,000 per 50-kilogramme bag after this year’s harvest, a move that has already sparked debate among farmers and traders.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has acknowledged challenges in the implementation of the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP), including cases of fraud linked to the beneficiary identification system. According to ministry spokesperson Gangire, investigations involving the Malawi Police Service, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) uncovered theft and malpractice by some officers.
“Several officers have since been arrested by the police, and further disciplinary action will be taken. Internal investigations have been concluded,” Gangire said.
The ministry has also faced logistical problems in transporting fertiliser to hard-to-reach maize-producing areas this season, prompting the involvement of the Malawi Defence Force to assist with deliveries.
Separately, Mangochi District Council chairperson Francis Njima has urged government to set aside funds for a bursary programme, as the Ministry of Agriculture prepares for the launch of the 2025–26 Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP). Njima said such measures are necessary to cushion vulnerable households amid falling maize prices and rising production challenges.
