Companies that have been supplying fertiliser to government at inflated prices are reportedly baying for the blood of Minister of Agriculture Dr. Roza Mbilizi after she initiated reforms that have left agents and middlemen out of the fertiliser procurement chain.
Sources within government say the cartels, led by influential players in the fertiliser trade, fear the reforms will translate into huge losses as SFFRFM moves towards procuring fertiliser directly from manufacturers.
Mbilizi’s reforms are aimed at reducing the cost of landing fertiliser in Malawi and ensuring farmers access affordable agricultural inputs.
When contacted by this publication over the claims, a representative of one of the companies denied fighting the Minister but admitted concerns over the new arrangement.
“Who has told you that we are fighting Roza?” he said before raising his voice.
“It is officials who have told us that Minister Roza is the one removing agents like us from the procurement chain. We are in business. How does she expect us to make money if she insists on dealing directly with producers and not us?” he said.
Government sources maintain that the reforms are intended to eliminate unnecessary costs, improve efficiency and ensure value for money in fertiliser procurement.
Officials argue that while some traders stand to lose business, the changes are ultimately aimed at benefiting Malawi’s smallholder farmers through lower fertiliser prices.
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