Maize’s retail prices in the country went up by 26 percent in January 2021 to K191 per kilogramme (kg), figures from the International Food Research Policy Institute (Ifrip) show.

As quoted by the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s January economic review, from the first week of January 2022, prices sharply increased until the second week, when retail prices slightly declined.

The price movement remained volatile thereafter, closing the month at about K9,550 per 50kg bag in most parts of the country.

However, in some parts, the commodity’s price ranged from K10,000 to K11,000 per 50 kg bag.

“As January is a lean season, stocks get depleted, putting pressure on prices to go up. Prices are likely to continue rising in 2022 because of late rains, poor access to fertiliser and the floods in the south,” the report reads.

At the regional level, maize retail prices continued to be high in the Southern Region compared to the Central and Northern regions.

The report attributed this to the fact that most of the maize that was being sold in the Southern Region was being sourced from districts in the Central Region, hence traders factored in the cost of transport.

Speaking in an earlier interview, Grain Traders and Processors Association Chairperson Grace Mijiga Mhango indicated that such increases were expected in the lean period but maize may average K200 per kg, which will be slightly below neighbouring countries.

“To stabilise prices, government should not put an export ban because if they do, it creates fears of food insecurity, then maize prices rise,” she said.

Delayed rains, which Malawi faced in the 2021-22 farming season, have brought fears among Malawians that maize prices may remain elevated.

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.

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