Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) Limited has confirmed damage to 70 metric tonnes (MT) of its maize at a warehouse in Liwonde, Machinga, raising concerns over persistent grain storage failures.
Admarc Limited chief executive officer Ben Botolo confirmed in an interview on Wednesday that the affected 70MT was sold to livestock farmers to minimise further losses.
“So some of the maize that began pests infestation was fumigated and it is still having a good quality,” he said.
| Nation
Botolo could, however not indicate the financial loss from the discoloured maize.
In May this year, Admarc board inspected the Liwonde warehouse and among others recommended that about 23 000MT of maize be sold immediately to prevent further deterioration.
Admarc last December also withdrew from the market 45MT of maize flour valued at approximately K100 million after the product deteriorated.
Agricultural experts have described the recurring spoilage as evidence of deep-rooted weaknesses in grain storage management, quality control and post-harvest systems.
Mwapata Institute executive director William Chadza said maize spoilage in large storage facilities is largely driven by technical and management failures.
He said structural defects such as leaking roofs, damaged floors and poor sanitation, coupled with high temperatures and humidity also accelerate grain deterioration if warehouses are not properly managed.
To address the problem, Chadza advised Admarc to immediately conduct a comprehensive quality assessment of all stored maize, separate damaged grain from good grain, strengthen moisture testing, improve pest control and fumigation, repair damaged storage facilities and strictly apply a first-in, first-out stock rotation system.
Agr i c ulture research and extension expert Leonard Chimwaza recommended engaging specialised grain management service providers, employing qualified warehouse management personnel and introducing performance-based contracts for warehouse managers.
In 2024, Admarc sold 12 304MT of maize initially declared “not fit for human consumption”.
