The Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) is set to open its maize buying season on June 1, with the government-approved purchase price set at K900 per kilogram, according to Malawi24. Admarc Chief Executive Officer Ben Botolo announced that the 2026/2027 marketing season purchases will take place at designated depots nationwide, offering smallholder farmers a formal market for their harvests.
However, the State produce trader is entering the market with limited capital. According to Nation Online, the government has so far released only K5 billion of the K60 billion budgeted for this season's maize purchases. Admarc spokesperson Theresa Chapulapula confirmed that the initial tranche is meant to kickstart the buying process, but agricultural experts and the Grain Traders Association of Malawi have expressed concern that the funding shortfall could leave farmers vulnerable to exploitative vendors if resources run out, Nyasa Times reports.
To supplement its purchasing power, Admarc is actively seeking buyers for approximately 23,000 metric tonnes of older maize stock, according to Nation Online. The grain, which was purchased during the 2024/2025 season at K700 per kilogram, is currently valued at K21 billion. Admarc board chairperson Gray Nyandule Phiri stated that disposing of the existing stock is necessary to generate additional funds for buying fresh maize this year, as local demand for the older maize has dropped following the onset of the current harvest season.