Experts anticipate good agri season
Players in the agriculture supply chain are upbeat that farmers would make the most of their toil this season as market prospects look positive.
This is despite a possible Covid pandemic knock effect to the sector. The second wave of the pandemic has affected almost all sectors of the economy.
But in an interview, AHL spokesperson Teresa Ndanga said there is hope that the 2020/21 tobacco marketing season, for instance, will be smooth, having learnt from last season’s experience.
“It can never be easy operating tobacco markets amidst a pandemic but we have experience from last year which we will be building on.
“Times like these drive innovations and so AHL Tobacco Sales worked on an electronic marketing system which, if TC and buyers support it, we should be able to use this season,” she said.
In a separate interview, Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc), spokesperson Agness Chikoko Ndovi was also upbeat that markets for other farm produce would operate smoothly amid the pandemic.
“We will continue with strict measures,” she said.
Farmers’ representative body, Farmers Union of Malawi (Fum) feels the optimism of market operators would instill hope among growers.
Fum President Fryton Njolomole said farmers anticipate a surge in earnings.
“If Admarc can buy maize despite the pandemic, it will scare away vendors who want to dupe farmers,” Njolomole said.
Justin Mkweu is a fast growing reporter who currently works with Times Group on the business desk.
He is however flexible as he also writes about current affairs and national issues.
