ADMARC Maize Sales Spark Community Frustration in Dowa District
Currently, vendors are selling maize at prices ranging from K1,200 to K1,300 per kilogram, translating to over K60,000 for a 50-kilogram bag.
MPONELA, MALAWI- Residents near the Mponela Trading Centre are voicing concerns over limited access to affordable maize at the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) depot, with vendors reportedly dominating grain purchases, writes Rabecca Kaunda Mwafulirwa.
Alineti Jamison, a resident, described waiting in line since morning without success.
"It is my plea to the officials to do something so that every Malawian can benefit from affordable maize grain," Jamison said.
ADMARC spokesperson Theresa Chapulapula acknowledged the issue, stating the organisation is strengthening community market committees to improve oversight.
"Every market committee responsible for market activities should report any suspicious activity, such as bulk purchasing by vendors," she explained.
Chapulapula urged community members to remain vigilant and report any market irregularities.
The organisation has implemented a rationing system limiting individual purchases to 20 kilograms.
Currently, vendors are selling maize at prices ranging from K1,200 to K1,300 per kilogram, translating to over K60,000 for a 50-kilogram bag.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in agricultural commodity distribution and access for local communities in the region.