Admarc seeks to sell 23 000MT of maize

Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) says it is looking for a market for about 23 000 metric tonnes (MT) of maize in its drive to replenish its stock with fresh harvest. The maize, valued at K21 billion if sold at the government-approved price of K900 per kilogramme (kg), was bought from farmers during the 2024– 2025 farming season at K700 per kg. The State produce trader disclosed the development yesterday when Admarc board of directors visited Admarc Balaka Ginnery where one of the warehouses has at least 1 800MT of maize in stock.

Admarc officials said they have been selling the staple grain at K1 000 per kg, but demand has declined due to the onset of the harvesting season. Board chairperson Gray Nyandule Phiri, speaking in an interview after the tour, said initial plans were to mill the maize and sell the flour. “However, due to delays, we now intend to dispose of the maize so that we can purchase fresh maize this year,” he said.

Nyandule Phiri added that he has advised those responsible for operations to urgently find markets as the corporation needs funds. “That maize is Admarc stock. We need more money to buy more maize this year,” he said.

[paywall]

Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency executive director Willie Kambwandira said yesterday that the revelations point to serious weaknesses in planning, stock management and accountability within Admarc. Ironically, during the 2025/26 lean season, Malawi imported 200 000MT of maize from Zambia after the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee established that more than four million people required food assistance. After visiting the ginnery, the directors proceeded to tour Admarc Liwonde Depot where there is a plant for processing various crops, including rice. The board has also indicated its intention to operationalise two of its ginneries that had ceased operations due to a shortage of cotton.

[/paywall]