The Nandolo Farmers Association of Malawi (NFAM), has posted a price increase of Nandolo (pegion peas), recorded at K280 per Kilo, translating to an average of 180% increment. NFAM President Susan Chimbayo told The Daily Times that development was due to removal of a provisional quota for importation of the commodity by the Indian government from June this year.

The price rise follows news of government being called to intervene on challenges that pigeon pea farming is facing.  Pigeon pea farmers have complained that their industry is facing various challenges, which the Civil Society Agriculture Network (Cisanet), has called on the government to act upon.

Cisanet, a non-governmental organization that advocates for the best agricultural practices, has decried that middlemen and traders had pigeon peas, leaving farmers in a disadvantaged state. A position paper by Cisanet has said that the Pigeon pea market is worsened by policy and structural weaknesses including poor enforcement of minimum farm gate prices, poor storage facilities and over dependence on the export market.

Despite the prices picking up, NFAM President Susan Chimbayo expressed disappointment in Nandolo farmers, who fail to organise themselves to offer substantial volumes, lean financial capacity and lack of effective market information system to guide their business decisions.