The Agricultural Development Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) said it is waiting for government's nod to start procuring maize from farmers. 

 

ADMARC spokesperson, Agnes Chikoko Ndovi said currently, all logistical plans for purchases are in place and they are just awaiting for the directives. 

 

Ndovi could however, not disclose as to when the procurement will commence and the projected tonnages this season. 

 

"We are awaiting government directive as to which organization with be responsible for maize purchases this season between Admarc and National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA). 

 

This comes as Zodiak Online spot-check in Thyolo and Phalombe, has shown that vendors have started buying maize from farmers; ranging from K300 to K400 per kilogram which is way below the set minimum farmgate price of K500. 

 

In the 2023/24 national budget, Parliament has allocated K12 billion for maize purchases by the two entities. 

 

The corporation has also been given K4 billion for recapitalization. 

 

Recently, food and agriculture analyst, Ronald Chilumpha tipped the government to act with speed in purchasing maize in a bid to avert hunger and post-harvest losses attributed to lack of improved storage facilities by the smallholder farmers.