Admarc yet to get maize purchase money- Details

The Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) has stated that it has not yet received government funding to begin purchasing agricultural products like maize.

Ben Botolo, the Chief Executive Officer of Admarc, says that despite the government’s previous commitment to allocate K40 billion for this initiative, no advancements have occurred, even after discussions with the appropriate authorities.

Botolo voiced concerns that this delay could hinder Admarc’s ability to compete effectively in the market, potentially resulting in the loss of commodities it plans to acquire from farmers.

In the meantime, agriculture specialist Dr. Kingdom Kwapata has labeled the ongoing delay in funding for the grain marketer as regrettable, noting that it is leading to a failure to adhere to the minimum farmgate prices.

At present, vendors in various districts throughout the country, including Dowa, are purchasing maize from farmers at prices ranging from K20,000 to K25,000 per 50kg bag.