Admarc Limited has announced plans to import about 200 000 metric tonnes (MT) of maize to ensure the staple grain’s consistent availability on the market during the coming lean season.
In a statement issued yesterday signed by Admarc Limited chief executive officer Dan Makata, the State produce trader said the decision followed “careful assessment” of current stock levels, market trends, maize flow ” on the markets and the projected impact on household food security.
The company observed that importing maize during times of scarcity allows the state grain trader to maintain a steady supply chain, reduce pressure on local stocks, and prevent further inflation of food prices.
Reads the statement in part: “Admarc recognises that the recent increase in maize prices has placed a heavy burden on families, especially in rural and low-income urban areas and there is need to ensure sufficient supply of maize to avert the escalating price of maize.
“By importing maize, Admarc aims to stabilise prices, and ensure that every Malawian can access this vital food item at a fair and reasonable cost.”
On the source of resources to procure 200 000MT, Admarc Limited spokesperson Theresa Chapulapula said the funds will come from the Treasury.
However, she could not indicate the exact amount which will be required for the importation of the said maize.
“[We will import the maize] from Tanzania and Zambia. We already have agreements with these government. Funds will be released by treasury,” said Chapulapula in a WhatsApp message.
Admarc has been struggling to purchase maize from local farmers since it opened its markets in April this year.
For instance, as of August 13 2025, Admarc had bought about 13 000MT of maize against a targeted quantity of 20 000MT to be purchased from the K20 billion allocated in the 2025/26 National Budget. Admarc also targeted to buy another 50 000MT of maize using K95 billion that it was expecting to borrow from commercial banks.
The plan to import comes on the back of Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale’s earlier assurance that harvest from winter cropping and irrigation interventions by some mega farms would cover the maize deficit.
Commenting on the matter, agricultural expert Leonard Chimwanza observed that Admarc struggle to find maize from local farmers due to poor timing.
He noted that Admarc always open its market late while vendors had ¹qalready invaded the market.
World Food Programme reported in June that Malawi’s maize deficit had widened to 1.2 million MT from the 537 380MT initially projected by Ministry of Agriculture in the 2024/25 growing season.
