Farmers Union of Malawi against Mutharika’s 21-day lockdown

Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) has joined other organizations in speaking against government’s planned 21-day lockdown.

The organization has called for the immediate suspension of the planned Covid-19 lockdown pending wide consultation from all relevant stakeholders.

The organisation says farmers are dismayed with government’s spontaneous declaration of the lockdown saying it is ill-timed at a time when farmers are harvesting and looking for markets.

FUM President Frighton Njolomole told journalists in Lilongwe that the lockdown means losses for farmers and the economy that is heavily dependent on agriculture.

According to Njolomole, government has not cushioned farmers with stimulus packages from the impending losses that they may incur due to the lockdown.

He said the losses in the agriculture sector will affect the state of preparedness for farmers hence hindering next seasons outcomes.

As a recommendation, FUM is urging the government to find home grown Covid-19 preventive measures than merely copying what other nations are implementing.

On Friday last week Human Rights Defenders Coalition obtained an injunction against the 21- day lockdown. Injunction was granted for 7 days and inter-partes hearing is set for this Friday April 24, 2020.

Source:NPL