By Mustafa Makumba

As the maize harvesting season unfolds across Malawi, many farmers are falling victim to illegal and unethical trade practices. Vendors are moving into villages, buying maize at prices far below the government’s officially set farmgate prices, and using uncalibrated scales to cheat farmers out of their rightful earnings. This is obviously an act of economic injustice and also a moral and legal violation that must be addressed.

Trade is a noble profession when conducted with honesty and fairness. Allah commands in the Qur’an:
“Give full measure and weight with justice and do not deprive people of their due…” (Qur’an 11:85)

When vendors ignore government-set prices and exploit farmers’ desperation, they are not just breaking the law — they are violating divine commandments that emphasize justice, fairness, and compassion in dealings.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against such practices:
“Whoever cheats is not one of us.” (Muslim).

Cheating includes using dishonest measures and exploiting the vulnerable. Sadly, reports from across Malawi indicate that some vendors are deliberately using uncalibrated scales, short-changing farmers by several kilograms per bag. This is not only prohibited in religious teachings but also goes against the government-set principles of maize trading.

The government, through Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) has made efforts to protect farmers by setting minimum maize prices to ensure fair returns for their labour. Ignoring these directives is an act of defiance against both state authority and moral responsibility.

As a God-fearing nation, it is our duty to speak out against such injustices. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed.” His companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, we help the oppressed — but how do we help an oppressor?” He replied: “By preventing him from oppressing others.” (Bukhari).

What can we do to mitigate this malpractice?

Vendors should trade fairly, respect the government’s price guidelines, and use proper, calibrated weighing equipment. On the other hand, consumers should support vendors and markets that buy fairly from farmers. Community and faith leaders should use sermons to condemn these practices and encourage justice in trade. While Government authorities should enforce price controls and regularly inspect scales and trade practices in local markets.

This harvesting season should be a time of blessing and abundance for our farmers — not a period of loss and exploitation. Let us uphold values of fairness, justice, and honesty, and stand together in protecting the livelihoods of those who feed our nation.

“And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance.” (Qur’an 55:9)