Farmers in the country under their umbrella body Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) have petitioned the National Assembly to fast-track processes behind tabling of a Seed Bill.

Speaking when presenting the petition, FUM President Frighton Njolomole, said for a long time the country’s markets have been flooded with counterfeit seeds which usually result in low harvest.

Njolomole said their last hope is in the legislators that they will assist in fighting the vice by tabling the already drafted Seed Bill to be enacted into law.

Njolomole said: “This bill was drafted long time ago in 2015 but until now is yet to go into parliament to be enacted into law a development which is affecting our agriculture production since we are using fake seeds being sold on the markets.”

He therefore said their petition is meant to remind government that Malawi is not a dumping site for counterfeit seeds.

Concurring with Njolomole, NASFAM Board Chairperson, Clara Malikula, said the longstanding challenge can only be dealt with through passing relevant laws and policies.

She said there is need to come up with strong policies so that farmers are protected.

Meanwhile, the House through its Agriculture and Food Security Committee Vice Chairperson, Ulemu Chilapondwa, has assured the farmers that the Bill will be deliberated and eventually passed.

“There is no law which is protecting farmers in terms of fake seeds therefore there is need to protect these farmers so that when providers of fake seeds are found they should be prosecuted,” said Chilapondwa.