Maize Price Goes Higher

Kapito has faulted government for closing ADMARC Kapito has faulted government for closing ADMARC - file photo

The price of maize continues rising as vendors are taking advantage of closure of ADMARC depots to sell the staple food to thousands of Malawians at exorbitant prices.

In districts like Mulanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Chitipa, Neno, Mangochi, and Chiradzulu, maize is selling at between K430 and K470 per kilogram and on average the 50 kilogram bag is selling at K22, 500.

In an interview with Zodiak Online on Wednesday, Programmes Officer responsible for Economics Justice at the Centre for Social Concern (CfSC) Bernard Mphepo said the maize price is really high considering the current minimum wage which is K50, 000 per month.

“A Malawi family with an average of six members requires two bags of maize weighing 50 kilograms and if a bread winner in that family is receiving a meagre K50, 000 a month, it means the whole perk is for food and no any other basic items. Life is really tough,” said Mphepo.  

On his part, Consumers Association of Malawi Executive Director John Kapito has faulted government for closing ADMARC at the time it is needed most to serve Malawians. 

“If government does not move in quickly to rescue Malawians from these merciless vendors, we should expect the price of maize to reach K30, 000 per 50 kilogram bag,” said Kapito.  

Last month, government suspended operations of ADMARC and sent all its staff on paid leave due to what it called total mess at the leading grain marketer.

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