Admarc buys 1,340mt of maize within week 1
The Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) has purchased about 1,340 metric tonnes of maize within the first week of purchasing the commodity this season, figures from the State-run grain trader show.
Admarc opened its market on June 3, starting with the Southern Region.
Admarc spokesperson Agnes Chikoko Ndovi said, within the first week, the firm purchased 1,340 metric tonnes of maize in the Southern Region alone.
Ndovi added that Admarc officials are in the Central and Northern regions to determine the moisture content of the commodity before they start purchasing.
“We are supposed to buy maize which is below 14 percent in terms of moisture content so that the maize should be well kept in our reserves. We are making sure that we buy maize which we can store,” she said.
Agricultural commentator Tamani Nkhono Mvula hailed Admarc for finally entering the market, saying farmers were being duped by vendors due to delays.
He, however, advised Admarc to move from relying on the government for subventions and turn into a profit-making business it aspires to be.
“Admarc should be buying maize for NRFA (National Food Reserve Agency) because that is going to help Admarc and NFRA in the long run to keep huge volumes of maize. Admarc should stop borrowing to finance its social responsibility but should be borrowing to finance its commercial side,” he said.
Justin Mkweu is a fast growing reporter who currently works with Times Group on the business desk.
He is however flexible as he also writes about current affairs and national issues.
