The Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) is yet to start selling maize in Northern and Central regions markets, citing low demand.
Its officials say they would start selling the commodity once demand picks up.
This is happening when, in September this year, Admarc opened its markets in the Southern and Eastern regions.
Admarc spokesperson Theresa Chapulapula said the institution received 10, 000 metric tonnes (mt) of maize from the Strategic Grain Reserves.
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She said that is the maize that is on the market in the Southern and Eastern regions.
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Chapulapula said the plan to open all the 240 commercial markets and 119 social markets across the country would be demand-driven.
“Admarc Limited began selling maize in September, starting with the Southern and Eastern regions, and we will continue to expand to other districts. Admarc Limited operates 240 commercial markets and 119 social markets, and we are gradually opening them based on demand,” Chapulapula said.
However, Senior Chief Mpherembe of Mzimba District called for reopening of the markets, saying some people were reeling from hunger.
“As at now, people, especially those in hard-to-reach areas, are buying maize from vendors at exorbitant prices,” he said.
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According to an International Food Policy Research Institute (Ifpri) report, maize is currently trading at an average of K864 per kilogramme (kg), which translates to K43,200 per 50 kg bag.
However, Admarc depots are selling the commodity at K790 per kg, which translates to K39,500 per 50 kg bag.
