Havoc escalated in Chikwawa as 300 cotton farmers demanded their money from Nchalo Greenbelt Limited.
Reports reaching this publication indicates that Nchalo Greenbelt is owing farmers from Mwanawanjovu, Nkhwazi and Jombo over 90 million kwacha.
Traditional Authority Ngowe district said that the farmers have been wait for their money for along time.
“Yes I can confirm that the farmers caused havoc because of prolonged delays to pay them their monthly dues,” said TA Ngowe.
The Chief further stated that the development has affected his subjects’ source of income.
“We believe the farmers will be paid soon,” he said.
Greenbelt Authority Spokesperson, Maganizo Mazeze, assured the farmers that they will be paid on Monday (today).
“It was not necessarily a riot but a mere misunderstanding. The delay to pay farmers has occurred due to various factors including verifying the names of farmers that are supposed to receive the money,” said Mazeze.
Police rushed to the scene to contain the situation.
Reports suggest that farmers have been waiting in vain for the money in the past seven months.
